Dr. Jorge I. Dominguez is a retired Harvard University professor, writer, and publisher from Center Harbor, New Hampshire. He received his PhD from Harvard University in political science and a bachelor in arts from Yale College in history. Known for his work on Cuba, Dr. Jorge Dominguez gave the military and politics of Cuba some focus.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, or FAR, was established in 1959 following the Cuban Revolution. FAR has defended the new revolutionary government from foreign and domestic threats while projecting Cuba's global influence through overseas military missions. Under the leadership of Fidel Castro, FAR helped Cuba withstand the Bay of Pigs invasion and nuclear standoff with the United States during the Cold War era. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Cuba deployed nearly 400,000 Cuban troops as combat forces or military advisors in over two dozen countries worldwide.

The FAR took on significant economic and administrative roles to support Cuba's socialist system. Military officers also assumed positions of authority across many sectors of civilian life. The fusion created a shared governance model.

While smaller in size today following the Soviet Union's collapse, the FAR continues to play an integral part in Cuba's political landscape. Through close cooperation with the Communist Party, military officers participate in economic planning and management. The FAR also works to maintain international relations, conducting confidence-building exchanges with the United States military to reduce tensions.

After six decades, the FAR remains a stabilizing institution for Cuba's socialist state. While facing challenges like limited resources and potential corruption, the military upholds its founding purpose of defending the revolution at home and abroad. The adaptive leadership of the FAR will determine Cuba's future political and economic changes.