Is the revolution in Cuba over?

Cuba is facing one of its most severe humanitarian crises in decades.

For years, Cuba relied heavily on oil from Venezuela. Those supplies have largely stopped, contributing to widespread fuel shortages. Electricity blackouts have become increasingly common, disrupting daily life across the country.

The United States has blocked fuel shipments to Cuba as part of wider pressure linked to its economic and political policies. Meanwhile, the Cuban government has warned it will resist any external interference in its domestic affairs.

With economic strain growing and living conditions worsening, this week on The Inquiry, we’re asking: ‘Is the revolution in Cuba over?’

Contributors:
Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida, US
Ricardo Torres, research fellow at American University, US
Christopher Sabatini, senior research fellow for Latin America at Chatham House, UK
Renata Segura, programme director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group, US

Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Matt Toulson
Researcher: Evie Yabsley
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Technical Producer: Cameron Ward
Production Management: Phoebe Lomas and Liam Morrey

(Photo: Havana, the capital of Cuba, during a blackout in March 2026. Credit: Yamil Lage/Getty Images)