Does a civil society actually exist in Cuba today and if so what is its nature and role? In seeking answers to this contested and politicized question, the editors of this book have assembled a diverse group of contributors. The essays range from general discussion of the private sector to case studies about volunteer work, religious entities, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Since the fall of the Soviet Union and the economic crisis in 1990, the Cuban state has experienced severe challenges, and individuals have been forced to respond in unexpected ways to ensure their economic survi ... More

Does a civil society actually exist in Cuba today and if so what is its nature and role? In seeking answers to this contested and politicized question, the editors of this book have assembled a diverse group of contributors. The essays range from general discussion of the private sector to case studies about volunteer work, religious entities, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Since the fall of the Soviet Union and the economic crisis in 1990, the Cuban state has experienced severe challenges, and individuals have been forced to respond in unexpected ways to ensure their economic survival. Avoiding polemics and preconceptions, this volume brings a fresh perspective to one of the most vexing issues in Cuban society today.