[propagandist]

It also illustrates the importance of not getting caught on the wrong side of the global hegemon right next door who can choke you out and prevent you from importing energy and integrating with the global economy.

A lot of food for thought all around.

[mothballed]

That's definitely part of the equation, but the blockade has been over for a long while. They have suffered not only the brutal effect of US colonization/hegemony but also the brutal effect of the legacy of Castro's brand of economics. If they were just suffering one or the other, they'd be significantly better off.

Edit since I am throttled on posts and cannot reply below: The US briefly blockaded Cuba in the 60s, but they have only embargoed them since then. They are not blocked from international trade by the US, except with the US. There is no meaningful block from Cuba engaging in the greater international non-US "global economy" such as EU,Asia, etc.

[neves]

You are wrong. Any company that wants to do business with USA must also join the embargo.

[roumenguha]

Do you mean Batista?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulgencio_Batista

[user982]

> the blockade has been over for a long while.

What are you talking about?

[nradov]

It also illustrates the importance of not wrecking your own economy through pursuing socialist policies and driving the most productive people out of the country.

[lokar]

Is that your summary of the causes, goals and impacts of the Cuban revolution?

[FpUser]

The way things are going it looks like late capitalism is on a way to eventually catch up. And all 2.5 "productive" people left would own the world and the rest will be cattle, potentially culled to keep things in check

[imtringued]

That's not enough to keep people fed. I think the primary reason why Cuba remained socialist is that all the "capitalists" (perceived as boogieman for social ills) are voluntarily fleeing Cuba rather than opposing the government.