{"id":10406,"date":"2026-05-23T14:23:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T14:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T14:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T14:23:00","slug":"from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"dev95-1763419101\" class=\"dev95-- dev95-entity-placement\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"\u0627\u0644\u0625\u0639\u0644\u0627\u0646\u0627\u062a\"><script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl27862732.profitableratecpmnetwork.com\/2ad7a50e0bbc23ac6801d7b77c501463\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-2ad7a50e0bbc23ac6801d7b77c501463\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"dev95-1875495430\" class=\"dev95-before-content dev95-entity-placement\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"\u0627\u0644\u0625\u0639\u0644\u0627\u0646\u0627\u062a\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stop wasting time on dead links! \ud83d\uded1 This smart platform automatically detects your device and country to give you the exact best offer instantly. Check it out now 100% free! \ud83d\udc47<\/strong><br data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-pl=\"|||[]\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.profitableratecpmnetwork.com\/pvhx5mbcc?key=ff7d362db3c20bc86fad685cc94f1fc4\">\ud83d\udd17 <strong class=\"rQesXe MPyX\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-complete=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\">[Click here]<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div>\n<p class=\"\"><em>In the 1980s, Cuba\u2019s economy operated as a heavily subsidized outpost of the Soviet bloc, with massive external support masking deep structural weaknesses. Decades later, after the loss of its primary benefactor and repeated shifts in external alliances, the island faces one of its most prolonged economic crises, marked by widespread energy blackouts, food shortages, hyperinflation, and large-scale emigration. This comparison reveals both continuity in central planning and the recurring consequences of heavy dependence on external aid.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"dev95-3181442165\" class=\"dev95- dev95-entity-placement\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"\u0627\u0644\u0625\u0639\u0644\u0627\u0646\u0627\u062a\"><center>\r\n<script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '4ba6b6513c00e0ba76511f798ae56401',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 50,\r\n    'width' : 320,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highrevenueformat.com\/4ba6b6513c00e0ba76511f798ae56401\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n\t<\/center><\/div>\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0GBTKV7PF\/?tag=httpwwwitshis-20\"><em>Lilian George<\/em><\/a><em> explains.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"\n              sqs-block-image-figure\n              intrinsic\n            \"><\/p>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-stretch=\"false\" data-image=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg\" data-image-dimensions=\"800x580\" data-image-focal-point=\"0.5,0.5\" alt=\"\" data-load=\"false\" elementtiming=\"system-image-block\" data-sqsp-image-classic-block-image src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523%2BCuban_transport.jpg?resize=800%2C580&#038;ssl=1\" width=\"800\" height=\"580\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw\" onload='this.classList.add(\"loaded\")' srcset=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=100w 100w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=300w 300w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=500w 500w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=750w 750w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=2500w 2500w\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-loader=\"sqs\"><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"\"><em>Horse transport in Cuba in the 1990s. Source\/Attribution: Nick, available <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cuban_transport.jpg\"><em>here<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The 1980s: An Economy Built on Soviet Generosity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">During the 1980s, Cuba\u2019s economy was deeply integrated into the socialist bloc. The Soviet Union provided substantial subsidies through preferential trade terms \u2014 buying Cuban sugar at prices well above the world market and selling oil at discounted rates. These inflows averaged nearly 23 percent of Cuba\u2019s GDP between 1985 and 1988, reaching as high as $4.3 billion annually in some estimates.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The arrangement allowed Cuba to re-export much of the subsidized Soviet oil for hard currency, which often accounted for more than 40 percent of the country\u2019s total export revenues. Sugar remained the dominant export, but the economy was highly centralized, with the state controlling nearly all production and distribution. Official statistics showed average daily caloric availability around 2,900\u20133,050 kcal per person. However, this national average masked significant daily struggles for ordinary families. The rationing system provided a monotonous diet heavy in starches, with limited protein and fresh produce, and many households experienced ongoing scarcity despite the Soviet subsidies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Shrinking Safety Net: Rationing from the 1980s to 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Rationing through the <em>libreta de abastecimiento<\/em> (ration book) has been a cornerstone of Cuban daily life since 1962. In the 1980s, the system provided relatively stable and more generous quotas of basic goods \u2014 rice, beans, sugar, oil, eggs, and occasional meat or coffee \u2014 supported by Soviet subsidies. While variety was limited and everything was tightly controlled, the rationing system functioned as a predictable safety net for most families.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">By 2026, the <em>libreta<\/em> has become far less effective. Quotas have been repeatedly reduced, deliveries are often late or incomplete, and the quality of goods has declined. Starting in April 2026, the government began phasing out universal subsidies on most rationed items, shifting instead toward targeted assistance only for the most vulnerable households. Many staples now arrive in quantities that last only 10\u201315 days per month rather than the full month. Fuel shortages and frequent blackouts further complicate distribution and storage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">As a result, the ration book no longer offers the same level of protection against hunger that it did in the 1980s. Most families must supplement the <em>libreta<\/em> with purchases on the open or informal market, where prices are significantly higher due to inflation and dollarization.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Shock of the 1990s: The Special Period and Total Collapse<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The sudden dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered a catastrophic economic contraction known as the \u201cSpecial Period in Time of Peace.\u201d The loss of Soviet subsidies \u2014 estimated at $4\u20136 billion per year \u2014 caused Cuba\u2019s GDP to fall by approximately 33\u201340 percent between 1990 and 1993. Average daily caloric intake dropped sharply from around 2,900\u20133,050 kcal in the late 1980s to roughly 1,863\u20132,099 kcal in 1993 (with some reports and vulnerable groups experiencing even lower levels). This translated into widespread hunger, significant weight loss across the population, and severe nutritional deficiencies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Power blackouts became routine, sometimes lasting up to 20 hours a day. Agricultural production plummeted due to lack of fuel, fertilizers, and machinery. The government responded with emergency measures, including limited openings to foreign investment and tourism, but the decade was defined by h<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">ardship, scarcity, and improvisation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Partial Recovery and Shifting Dependencies (2000\u20132020)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">In the early 2000s, Cuba found a new external partner in Venezuela under Hugo Ch\u00e1vez. The two countries signed agreements under which Venezuela supplied subsidized oil in exchange for Cuban medical personnel and other services. This provided a temporary lifeline, though it never matched the scale or stability of Soviet support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Under Ra\u00fal Castro (who assumed power in 2008), limited reforms were introduced, including greater space for small private businesses, some foreign investment in tourism, and efforts to unify the dual-currency system. Tourism became an important source of hard currency. However, the underlying model of central planning remained largely intact.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Current Crisis (2021\u20132026): Deeper and More Prolonged?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Since the early 2020s, Cuba\u2019s economy has struggled with multiple shocks, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, sharply reduced Venezuelan oil deliveries, and long-standing structural problems. Official data show negative or near-zero growth in several recent years, with independent estimates suggesting a cumulative contraction of around 10\u201315 percent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Chronic fuel shortages have led to frequent nationwide blackouts, sometimes lasting days. Agricultural output has reached historic lows in key products. Inflation has remained high, and the Cuban peso has depreciated significantly against the US dollar on the informal market.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Growing Dependence on Remittances and Dollarization<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">A defining feature of the current economic landscape is the increasing reliance on remittances sent by Cuban emigrants, primarily in US dollars. Estimates place annual remittances at around $3 billion, accounting for roughly 8.3 percent of Cuba\u2019s GDP. Nearly 70 percent of the population receives some form of remittance support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This inflow has accelerated the dollarization of the economy. Many goods and services \u2014 especially in the informal and emerging private sectors \u2014 are now priced or only available in US dollars or other hard currencies. Those with access to remittances have significantly higher purchasing power, while those relying solely on state salaries face deepening hardship. The surge in emigration since 2020 has paradoxically strengthened this channel, but it has also exacerbated inequality.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Medicine and Healthcare: From Partial Coverage to Systemic Strain<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Cuba\u2019s healthcare system, long presented as one of the revolution\u2019s major achievements, has faced recurring challenges with medical supplies. In the 1980s, there were already periods when hospitals struggled to meet basic needs due to inefficiencies in the centralized system, even with Soviet support providing some stability in pharmaceuticals and equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">By 2026, the situation has deteriorated significantly. Hospitals and clinics report severe shortages of essential medicines, antibiotics, surgical gloves, and basic supplies. Power outages lasting 20 hours or more disrupt critical services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neonatal care, and refrigeration for vaccines and medications. Pharmaceutical production inside Cuba has slowed sharply due to fuel shortages affecting factories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">As of early 2026, more than 96,000 patients were waiting for surgeries (including thousands of children), with many procedures postponed or canceled. Independent reports indicate that only about 3 percent of citizens can consistently find needed medicines in state pharmacies, while black-market prices make them unaffordable for most. The recent cutoff of Venezuelan oil supplies in 2026 has further worsened the crisis by intensifying blackouts and limiting the transport of medical staff and supplies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Impact of Developments in Venezuela (2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The situation deteriorated sharply in early 2026 following the US intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro. Venezuela had been supplying Cuba with approximately 26,000\u201335,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025 (down from much higher volumes in previous years). After the intervention, shipments effectively stopped as the United States exerted control over Venezuelan oil exports and imposed restrictions on flows to Cuba.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The sudden cutoff removed a critical portion of Cuba\u2019s fuel supply, triggering more frequent and prolonged nationwide blackouts, further disruptions to food distribution, and additional pressure on an already strained economy. While Mexico had briefly become the top supplier in 2025, overall imports remain far below what is needed to meet demand. The loss of the Venezuelan lifeline has compounded existing vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n<p data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Why Recovery Has Proved Elusive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Cuba\u2019s economic difficulties stem from a combination of internal factors \u2014 decades of central planning, low productivity, underinvestment in infrastructure, and policy inconsistency \u2014 and external shocks, including the loss of major benefactors and shifting geopolitical pressures. While tourism, limited private enterprise, and remittances have provided some relief, they have not offset the structural weaknesses. As of 2026, the economy continues to face significant challenges in restoring reliable energy supply, boosting agricultural and pharmaceutical production, and reversing emigration trends.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong><em>Lilian\u2019s book, The Cuban Manuscript is available here: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0GBTKV7PF\/?tag=httpwwwitshis-20\"><strong><em>Amazon US <\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>| <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B0GBTKV7PF\/?tag=httpwwwitshis-21\"><strong><em>Amazon UK<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-rte-list=\"default\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Hern\u00e1ndez-Cat\u00e1, Ernesto (2013). \u201cCuba, the Soviet Union, and Venezuela: A Tale of Dependence and Shock.\u201d ASCE Proceedings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">BTI Project (2026). Cuba Country Report<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Orozco, Manuel (2024). Remittances studies, Inter-American Dialogue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Reports from Havana Times, Reuters, and Lancet Oncology on medicine shortages and healthcare conditions (2025\u20132026)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"\">Various ASCE and independent economic analyses (2025\u20132026)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_10406\" class=\"pvc_stats total_only  \" data-element-id=\"10406\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon large\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dev95.site\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif?resize=16%2C16&#038;ssl=1\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"dev95-2344318558\" class=\"dev95-after-content dev95-entity-placement\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"\u0627\u0644\u0625\u0639\u0644\u0627\u0646\u0627\u062a\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Finally, a link that actually works for your region and device! \ud83c\udf0d Get instant access to the top exclusive offers tailored just for you right now. Don&#8217;t miss out, click here! \ud83d\udc47<\/strong><br data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-pl=\"|||[]\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.profitableratecpmnetwork.com\/uzeja8ahze?key=bc876be53d6ad0ff6370ab8ea030e479\"><strong>\ud83d\udd17 [Click here]<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the 1980s, Cuba\u2019s economy operated as a heavily subsidized outpost of the Soviet bloc, with massive external support masking deep structural weaknesses. Decades later, after the loss of its primary benefactor and repeated shifts in external alliances, the island<\/p>\n<div class=\"hosteria-entry-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/\" class=\"no-underline font-light  group-hover:text-primary-800 dark:group-hover:text-primary-300 py-1\">Read more &gt;&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_10406\" class=\"pvc_stats total_only\" data-element-id=\"10406\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon large\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/dev95.site\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fp_fajr_begins":"","fp_fajr_iqamah":"","fp_dhuhr_begins":"","fp_dhuhr_iqamah":"","fp_asr_begins":"","fp_asr_iqamah":"","fp_maghrib_begins":"","fp_maghrib_iqamah":"","fp_isha_begins":"","fp_isha_iqamah":"","fp_midnight":"","fp_midnight_name":"","fp_sunrise":"","fp_single_prayer_begins_title":"","fp_single_prayer_iqamah_title":"","fp_prayer_times_for_today":"","fp_hijra_date":"","fp_fajr_name":"","fp_dhuhr_name":"","fp_asr_name":"","fp_maghrib_name":"","fp_isha_name":"","fp_sunrise_name":"","fp_currentDate":"","fp_current_time":"","fp_current_title":"","fp_current_location":"","fp_masjid_name":"","fp_prayer_title":"","fp_next_prayer_iqamah_time":"","fp_next_prayer_iqamah_title":"","fp_next_prayer_begins_time":"","fp_next_prayer_begins_title":"","fp_next_prayer_title":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4,"today_views":0},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"ar_AR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In the 1980s, Cuba\u2019s economy operated as a heavily subsidized outpost of the Soviet bloc, with massive external support masking deep structural weaknesses. Decades later, after the loss of its primary benefactor and repeated shifts in external alliances, the islandRead more &gt;&gt;&gt;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Dev95\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"dev95\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u0643\u064f\u062a\u0628 \u0628\u0648\u0627\u0633\u0637\u0629\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"dev95\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"\u0648\u0642\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0642\u0631\u0627\u0621\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u064f\u0642\u062f\u0651\u0631\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 \u062f\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0642\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"dev95\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b807805ffe2916206b04d0938bce0298\"},\"headline\":\"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1404,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\\\/content\\\/v1\\\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\\\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\\\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w\",\"articleSection\":[\"Posts\"],\"inLanguage\":\"ar\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/\",\"name\":\"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\\\/content\\\/v1\\\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\\\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\\\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"ar\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"ar\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\\\/content\\\/v1\\\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\\\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\\\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\\\/content\\\/v1\\\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\\\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\\\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/\",\"name\":\"Dev95\",\"description\":\"Your comprehensive digital platform for knowledge, services, tools, and entertainment.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"ar\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Dev95\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"ar\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/dev95.site\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/rbrrbr-6.png?fit=512%2C512&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/dev95.site\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/rbrrbr-6.png?fit=512%2C512&ssl=1\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Dev95\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b807805ffe2916206b04d0938bce0298\",\"name\":\"dev95\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"ar\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"dev95\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/dev95.site\\\/ar\\\/author\\\/mohammad\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/","og_locale":"ar_AR","og_type":"article","og_title":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95","og_description":"In the 1980s, Cuba\u2019s economy operated as a heavily subsidized outpost of the Soviet bloc, with massive external support masking deep structural weaknesses. Decades later, after the loss of its primary benefactor and repeated shifts in external alliances, the islandRead more &gt;&gt;&gt;","og_url":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/","og_site_name":"Dev95","article_published_time":"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"dev95","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"\u0643\u064f\u062a\u0628 \u0628\u0648\u0627\u0633\u0637\u0629":"dev95","\u0648\u0642\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0642\u0631\u0627\u0621\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u064f\u0642\u062f\u0651\u0631":"7 \u062f\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0642"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/"},"author":{"name":"dev95","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#\/schema\/person\/b807805ffe2916206b04d0938bce0298"},"headline":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026","datePublished":"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/"},"wordCount":1404,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w","articleSection":["Posts"],"inLanguage":"ar","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/","url":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/","name":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026 - Dev95","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w","datePublished":"2026-05-23T14:23:00+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"ar","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"ar","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w","contentUrl":"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/50adfa2ae4b0cc1d786569eb\/6507014c-675f-48bb-b832-6c217149dc85\/20260523+Cuban_transport.jpg?format=1000w"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/from-soviet-subsidies-to-chronic-blackouts-cubas-economy-from-the-1980s-to-2026\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"From Soviet Subsidies to Chronic Blackouts: Cuba\u2019s Economy from the 1980s to 2026"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/","name":"Dev95","description":"\u0645\u0646\u0635\u062a\u0643 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0642\u0645\u064a\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0627\u0645\u0644\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u0629 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062e\u062f\u0645\u0627\u062a \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0623\u062f\u0648\u0627\u062a \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062a\u0631\u0641\u064a\u0647.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"ar"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#organization","name":"Dev95","url":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"ar","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dev95.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rbrrbr-6.png?fit=512%2C512&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dev95.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rbrrbr-6.png?fit=512%2C512&ssl=1","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Dev95"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/#\/schema\/person\/b807805ffe2916206b04d0938bce0298","name":"dev95","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"ar","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a70a73d950838b20cd80d7ebdc955737e802e8cd896044c5473b32b946c0662a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"dev95"},"url":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/author\/mohammad\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10406\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10406"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10406"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev95.site\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}