“Oil has become the principal wealth in the hands of the great Yankee transnationals; through this energy source, they had an instrument that considerably expanded their political power in the world.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
table of contents
Quote
“Oil has become the principal wealth in the hands of the great Yankee transnationals; through this energy source, they had an instrument that considerably expanded their political power in the world.”
Explanation
This quote underscores Fidel Castro’s critique of U.S. imperialism and the role of transnational corporations, particularly in relation to global energy politics. By stating that oil became “the principal wealth” in the hands of “Yankee transnationals,” he highlights how American multinational oil companies amassed not only economic power, but also served as instruments of geopolitical influence. Oil, in this context, is portrayed not just as a commodity, but as a strategic weapon used to extend U.S. dominance across the globe.
Historically, this view aligns with critiques of the 20th-century resource-driven foreign policies of the United States, particularly in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, where oil interests often shaped interventions, alliances, and regime changes. Castro’s use of the phrase “considerably expanded their political power” reflects how access to and control over oil became a foundation of American foreign policy, enabling economic leverage, military reach, and political coercion.
In today’s context, the quote remains deeply relevant in light of ongoing debates about energy dependency, climate change, and global inequality. It challenges us to examine how control over natural resources—especially fossil fuels—can distort international relations, exacerbate conflicts, and entrench corporate and national power. Castro’s words remind us that true sovereignty and equitable development require confronting the mechanisms through which wealth, like oil, is concentrated and politicized on a global scale.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
