Spring Break
Evolving Leadership: Cuba, Russia, and the United States
Aaron Abelson
Issue date: 1/8/08 Section: Opinion
As the United States remains immersed in an increasingly contentious presidential election, other countries-namely Cuba and Russia-have experienced leadership changes, albeit in forms far different than in our country. In Cuba, Fidel Castro's brother, Raúl, officially took over the presidency on February 24 after having assumed power a year and half ago when Fidel fell ill. It was difficult to miss the headlines last weekend when the change was announced. While some hoped for the younger generation to begin to gain power in Cuba, few believe that this second Castro will attempt any significant reforms.
Although most news-following Americans saw the headlines about Cuba last weekend, many fewer have been following the presidential election process in Russia. Even Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during last week's debate in Cleveland could not name Dmitri Medvedev, Russia's next president. As Clinton and Obama have crisscrossed the country garnering support, Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's hand-picked successor, has endured a month long campaign with strikingly few campaign events. But why should he campaign? He is guaranteed to win the election Sunday (which will have already happened when this is printed) and will likely name Putin as his Prime Minister. He pledges to follow Putin's policies, though possibly with less anti-Western rhetoric.
When the new American president takes over in January, they will be faced with "new" leaders in two of America's historic rival countries. Both Democratic candidates have pledged to begin to repair the United States' international reputation, which should include gaining an understanding of the goals and motives of these new leaders. The new president should be willing to meet with Putin, Castro, and other world leaders, even those at odds with United States ideals, as a stepping-stone to building respect and legitimacy around the world.
Although most news-following Americans saw the headlines about Cuba last weekend, many fewer have been following the presidential election process in Russia. Even Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during last week's debate in Cleveland could not name Dmitri Medvedev, Russia's next president. As Clinton and Obama have crisscrossed the country garnering support, Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's hand-picked successor, has endured a month long campaign with strikingly few campaign events. But why should he campaign? He is guaranteed to win the election Sunday (which will have already happened when this is printed) and will likely name Putin as his Prime Minister. He pledges to follow Putin's policies, though possibly with less anti-Western rhetoric.
When the new American president takes over in January, they will be faced with "new" leaders in two of America's historic rival countries. Both Democratic candidates have pledged to begin to repair the United States' international reputation, which should include gaining an understanding of the goals and motives of these new leaders. The new president should be willing to meet with Putin, Castro, and other world leaders, even those at odds with United States ideals, as a stepping-stone to building respect and legitimacy around the world.
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