The Cuban Model of Political Warfare

The Political Warfare model of the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959), as presented in class, can be improved in several important areas which would make it a far more effective model for an insurgency victory. First, it is important to emphasize the seven major warfare areas which comprise the Political Warfare model used by the insurgents: Intelligence Warfare, Ideological Warfare, Psychological Warfare, Organizational Warfare, Stratagems Warfare, Mass Movement Warfare and finally Military Warfare. By combining these warfare areas into a single cohesive strategy, the Cuban insurgency was able to topple the Batista regime. However, despite their success, there is plenty of room for improvement of the model as used by the insurgents. The focus of this paper is to explore ways to improve the model as presented. Thus, the improved model should be demonstrably more effective in achieving a decisive victory for the rebel insurgency.

Intelligence Warfare

The Intelligence Warfare Model used by the insurgents during the Cuban Revolution had some strengths which made it truly effective. Castro was able to utilize students and urban professionals to collect information on government activities, enabling more precise and effective planning. These local inhabitants were critical to the supply of information to the guerrillas. “Prior to an assault on a populated area, advance information on telephone and telegraph lines, radio stations, railroads, airfields, number of enemy troops if any, and terrain was necessary to plan the operation, avoid surprises, and operate with the greatest possibility of success.” (LaCharité, p.78) Through the use of these massive secret networks, information and appropriate weapons could be supplied for a particular operation. Additionally, government insiders who had defected to the revolutionary cause were able to provide reports on government intentions, morale and activities. In order to improve the Intelligence Warfare model, the...