Why is it important for Communist and Workers Parties to meet in Havana this year?

                 By Nahide Özkan* 

 

In the twentieth century, the existence of the Soviet Union and the socialist bloc led to an “extraordinary” deviation in the course of capitalism. The unrestrained aggression of the imperialist system, backed by colonial accumulation, was somewhat restrained by strong working-class governments, both in domestic social policies and in the arena of international relations, and bound by certain rules that gave it a “civilized” face.

 

With the collapse of the socialist bloc, imperialism, gradually returning to its “normal” course, entered 2026 with a challenge that clearly demonstrated it now recognizes neither borders nor rules. The US attack on Venezuela and the subsequent oil blockade targeting Cuba became a clear manifestation of the trend that has become increasingly evident since the 1990s.

Much can be said about the unique aspects of Trump’s personal character, the increasingly prominent conflicts in the country’s domestic political climate, and the competition and friction with other imperialist actors in the background of this aggression perpetrated by US imperialism. Of course, all of these are elements that communists must consider in their analysis of the current situation. However, the crucial point is to identify the fundamental trend and to build the struggle strategy around this trend.

The structural crisis and collective orientation of imperialism point to an unrestrained and lawless aggression against the working peoples of the world. In such a scenario, where socialism does not exert its influence, there is no decisive response to the search for checks and balances, either domestically or internationally.

It is clear that the response must come from the world working class; and communist and working-class parties are obligated to lead such response. This historical task becomes unavoidable when the issue is an open siege and attack on socialist Cuba, which is a red line for the world communist movement.

Cuba, with its ability to survive after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the socialist bloc, has made a significant mark on history. However, the issue was not simply that it emerged from the darkness of the 1990s and survived. Despite its small scale and limited resources, Cuba, under extremely heavy blockade conditions, demonstrated a unique and inspiring experience regarding the subjective dimension of revolutionary struggle with its will to advance socialism. It built a vast body of knowledge that shed light on the role of revolutionary leadership, social organization, ideological struggle, principles, and moral values in the working-class struggle, illuminating the path for the working people of the world.

Humanity is paying a heavy price for postponing the struggle for socialism in the face of the brutality of the market system. There is a need to strengthen and connect the working classes with a concrete socialist program that will overthrow capitalism. Cuban revolutionary thought, which does not seek “suitable objectivity” for insisting on socialism, constitutes a living example of the will and courage that the world working class needs.

Cuba, while militantly and uncompromisingly confronting the threatening siege it faces today, is once again demonstrating the power of socialism. Despite all the negative propaganda about the country’s surrender, it is beginning to be said in mainstream media that Cuba, due to its socialist character, is unlike other countries. It should not be forgotten that if Cuba is able to resist the US today, it is also due to the absence of a capitalist class that provides a very fertile ground for collaboration with imperialism. The absence of a privileged capitalist class is also what forms the basis of the social unity that has been of key importance in Cuba’s history and present.

A strong solidarity with Cuba, going beyond mere symbolism, is essential not only for fulfilling our humanitarian and moral obligation to the Cuban people, but also for strengthening the class stance needed for a consistent struggle against imperialism, which threatens the entire world.

One of the most important manifestations of this solidarity will be the holding of this year’s international meeting of the communist and workers’ parties in Havana. Making the socialist perspective in the struggle against imperialism more visible through such meetings will not only strengthen Cuba’s struggle but will also inspire anti-imperialist struggles waged by peoples in different parts of the world.

The clear prioritization of solidarity with Cuba at the forthcoming international meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties in Havana will be crucial, as it allows communists to coordinate around a common objective and generate a worldwide impact.

We said Cuba is our red line; it is our duty and our obligation to internationalist Cuba to clearly and unequivocally establish this red line, to show once again that the Cuban people are not alone.

* Nahide Özkan is a member of TKP Party Council.

Voice of TKP, March 2026