ABSTRACT
This chapter shows domestic considerations—including economic experiences—to account for certain of the overseas activities. The roots of Cuban internationalism have shifted somewhat, as political and economic conditions have changed. Since the Angolan government has only about 110,000 troops, Cuba weighs heavily in the African country's defense system. Cuban assistance helped the Ethiopian government win the Ogaden war with neighboring Somalia, but Cuba refused to be drawn into Addis Ababa's domestic problems with Eritrean rebels. Civilian assistance has dominated Cuba's overseas programs in Latin America, with Nicaragua receiving the largest civilian mission. US officials and the press have depicted Cuba as a helpless pawn of Soviet imperialist interests and as a willing Soviet collaborator. All countries experience domestic opportunity costs when they export goods, capital, and personnel, and Cuba, as an underdeveloped country, is no exception.
