“Every country must be absolutely free to adopt the type of economic, political and social system that it considers convenient.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“Every country must be absolutely free to adopt the type of economic, political and social system that it considers convenient.”
Explanation
This quote expresses Fidel Castro’s unwavering support for national sovereignty and the right to self-determination, especially in the face of external pressures from imperial powers. By asserting that “every country must be absolutely free” to choose its own systems, Castro reinforces a fundamental principle of international law and post-colonial justice: that no nation has the right to impose its ideology, governance model, or economic structure on another.
Historically, this belief was central to Castro’s foreign policy, particularly as Cuba faced U.S. efforts to isolate and undermine its socialist system through embargoes, covert actions, and political pressure. Castro’s statement defends not only Cuba’s path but also the rights of nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue alternative models of development and governance, free from neocolonial interference or ideological coercion—whether capitalist or communist.
In a modern context, the quote remains a powerful affirmation of pluralism in global governance, challenging both overt interventions and subtle forms of economic and political manipulation. It calls for a world order based on respect, equality, and non-intervention, where the legitimacy of a system is determined by its people—not by foreign powers. Castro’s words echo in contemporary debates about democracy, development, and sovereignty, insisting that true freedom includes the right to choose one’s own path.
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