Cuba's power crisis reveals systemic energy vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions
Original framing: “Cuba hit by massive power outage amid US oil pressure” — Al Jazeera
Cuba's energy infrastructure has been shaped by decades of Soviet support and post-Soviet decline. The 1990s 'Special Period' saw severe energy shortages, and similar patterns are reemerging due to geopolitical shifts and economic isolation.
Cuba's power outage is not an isolated event but a symptom of deeper systemic issues rooted in outdated infrastructure, geopolitical pressures, and limited access to international markets.
Historical patterns show that Cuba's energy system has been shaped by external forces, particularly U.S. sanctions and the loss of Soviet support. Cross-culturally, similar energy crises in other post-colonial states reveal how energy is often a site of political and economic contestation. Scientific and technical solutions exist, but they must be paired with inclusive governance that incorporates the voices of energy workers and marginalized communities. By investing in renewable energy, strengthening regional cooperation, and engaging local stakeholders, Cuba can build a more resilient and equitable energy system.