Introduction: Cuba in the Multipolar World Order—Alliances, Adversities, and Global Shifts

Cuba, despite its small size and limited resources, has played a central role in international politics for centuries. Its strategic location made it a battleground for European colonial powers and later a key player during the Cold War. Today, Cuba faces new challenges, particularly due to ongoing U.S. sanctions and shifting geopolitics toward a multipolar world, with China and Russia gaining more influence. Cuba has forged strategic alliances with these rising powers and other countries in the Global South to maintain its position. Additionally, it is affected by current global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, and addresses challenges like the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.