The Miami Pact – Cold War 301 (Cuban Revolution #26)

The Miami Pact – Cold War 301 (Cuban Revolution #26)

From Cam & Ray's Cold War Podcast by Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

February 5, 2026

About this episode

Cameron and Ray discuss Fidel Castro's leadership challenges during the Cuban Revolution, focusing on internal and external power dynamics.

In this episode, Cameron and Ray delve into the complex internal and external power struggles facing Fidel Castro in the late 1950s as he attempts to consolidate his leadership over the anti-Batista movement. The discussion highlights the stark divide between Castro’s rural guerrilla army—influenced by the increasingly Marxist leanings of Raul Castro and Che Guevara—and the urban resistance led by Frank País, who sought middle-class and American support. The hosts explore the "draconian" discipline maintained within the rebel ranks, including the summary execution of spies, and the elimination of rival revolutionary groups like the Directorio Revolucionario after their failed 1957 assassination attempt on Batista. The episode concludes with Castro’s calculated rejection of the "Miami Pact," a move designed to prevent the old political elite from co-opting the revolution and to ensure that his guerrilla forces remain the ultimate authority in a post-Batista Cuba.

People in this episode

Hosts: Cameron Reilly, Ray Harris

Topics covered

  • Cuban Revolution
  • Fidel Castro
  • power struggles
  • Marxism
  • guerrilla warfare
  • political elite
  • Miami Pact

Keywords

  • Cuban Revolution
  • Fidel Castro
  • Raul Castro
  • Che Guevara
  • Frank País
  • Miami Pact
  • guerrilla army
  • political elite
  • revolutionary groups

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Directorio Revolucionario

Places: Cuba, Miami

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