Abstract:
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s ties to
Venezuela have grown notably warmer, while its
relations with Cuba have cooled. Putin clearly appreciates
President Hugo Chavez’s anti-American policy
and rhetoric far more than similar expressions by Fidel
Castro. As this suggests, shared anti-American interests
are not enough to explain Putin’s policies toward either
leader or country. Russia, though, has developed very
different economic relationships with Venezuela and
Cuba. This appears to explain Putin’s warmth toward
Chavez and his lack of it toward Castro.
