Why Invading Cuba Would Be a Historic Mistake: Lessons From Roosevelt, Castro, and the Rule of Law
As someone who has spent over two decades studying and practicing international relations, and as a recent candidate in the 2026 Democratic primary for Nevada's 2nd Congressional District, I have witnessed firsthand the profound consequences when nations abandon the principles of international law. Today, the prospect of a Trump regime invasion of Cuba is not only reckless—it is a repetition of mistakes that have echoed across centuries, reverberating into our present.
To understand why such an action would be catastrophic, we must look to history. In 1898, Theodore Roosevelt led his famous Rough Riders in the invasion of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At first glance, this intervention seemed a triumph of American resolve and a blow against colonial oppression. Yet, beneath the surface, the occupation sowed the seeds of instability that would later give rise to Fidel Castro’s revolutionary regime.
Historical Precedent: Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and Castro’s Rise
The Spanish-American War ended with the U.S. occupying Cuba, asserting dominance over its political and economic systems. For decades, American interests dictated Cuban policy, fueling resentment and laying the groundwork for an anti-imperialist backlash. The Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs, and economic exploitation deepened local frustrations. By the mid-20th century, this legacy of intervention created fertile ground for Fidel Castro’s rise. Castro’s revolution was, in many ways, a reaction to decades of foreign domination—proof that meddling in another nation’s affairs can have unpredictable and long-lasting consequences.
If history teaches us anything, it is that foreign intervention rarely produces the outcomes its architects envision. Instead, it breeds resistance, instability, and, often, regimes that are even more hostile to outside influence. The specter of another U.S.-led invasion of Cuba—especially in the current geopolitical climate—threatens to repeat the cycle, undermining not only Cuban sovereignty but also American interests in the region.
The Importance of International Law: A Safeguard Against Chaos
International law exists for a reason. It is not simply a set of abstract principles; it is the scaffolding upon which global stability rests. The prohibition against meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign nations is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and other foundational treaties. These rules are not just moral guidelines—they are pragmatic necessities.
Examples abound of the dangers that arise when countries ignore these norms. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, justified on dubious grounds, resulted in decades of chaos, the rise of extremism, and untold suffering for millions. The CIA and MI5 orchestrated the overthrow of Iran's democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, in the 1950s to secure Western control over oil. This intervention destabilized Iran, fueling decades of resentment, radicalization, and ultimately leading to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Today, it continues to serve as a pretext for escalating tensions, including the current war between the U.S. and Iran, under pressure from leaders like Netanyahu. When powerful nations act on the principle of “might makes right,” the world becomes more dangerous and less predictable.
International law is meant to prevent such disasters. It is the collective agreement that no country, no matter how powerful, has the right to determine the fate of another. This principle is especially important in Latin America, where the U.S. has a long and controversial history of intervention.
The Monroe Doctrine and Two Centuries of Intervention
Since the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, the United States has asserted its right to influence affairs throughout the Western Hemisphere. While intended to protect the region from European colonialism, it quickly became a pretext for U.S. intervention—from military invasions to covert operations. The consequences have been profound: coups, dictatorships, economic turmoil, and deep-seated mistrust of American intentions.
The Trump regime’s saber-rattling toward Cuba echoes this legacy. Yet, in today’s interconnected world, the costs of intervention are higher than ever. Not only would such an action violate international law and Cuban sovereignty, it would also destabilize the region, damage America’s global reputation, and invite retaliation.
Why the Rule of Law Matters—A Perspective from International Relations
Having campaigned for Congress and studied international relations, I am passionate about defending the rule of law. The alternative, as Thucydides warned in his account of the Peloponnesian War, is a world where “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” This is not a recipe for lasting peace or prosperity—it is a path toward perpetual conflict.
Supporting international law is not just an idealistic endeavor; it is in the interests of all nations, large and small. It levels the playing field, promotes stability, and protects the rights of people everywhere. It is the foundation upon which diplomacy, trade, and cooperation are built.
The Economic Impact—and a Vision for Nevada’s Future
Fossil fuel-based fertilizers, a cornerstone of industrial agriculture, have a hidden cost that hits everyday Nevadans and Americans hard: higher food prices, increased health risks, and vulnerability to global price shocks. As fossil fuel costs rise or fluctuate, so do grocery bills and the cost of living, straining household budgets—especially for working families and the most vulnerable.
That’s why I support a Green Marshall Plan. The vision: invest in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and a just transition away from fossil fuels. Nevada, with its abundant sun and wind, can lead this transformation.
Imagine a Nevada Permanent Fund—fueled by green investment and clean energy revenues—paying every Nevadan a $1,300 monthly UBI. This is not a utopian dream; it’s a bold, achievable plan to ensure prosperity and security for all, while making Nevada a national model.
By supporting a Green Marshall Plan, we can break free from fossil fuel dependency, protect our environment, and put money directly into people’s pockets. Let’s build a future where every Nevadan—and every American—thrives.
Rather than repeating the mistakes of history, the United States should recommit to the rule of law, respect Cuban sovereignty, and pursue constructive engagement. The worst possible action would be to invade Cuba, setting off a chain reaction that history has shown leads only to suffering and instability.
In a world fraught with challenges, we cannot afford to abandon the principles that make international relations possible. If we return to the rule of law, we open the door to a more peaceful, stable, and cooperative future. By recommitting to these shared standards, nations can build trust, resolve disputes peacefully, and create lasting opportunities for progress and prosperity. The rule of law is not just a safeguard—it is the key to a brighter future for all.
—Gamy Enriquez, MPA
References:
Gaddis, J.L. (2004). The United States and the Origins of the Cold War, 1941-1947. Columbia University Press.
Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State. “The Platt Amendment, 1901.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/platt
Thucydides. History of the Peloponnesian War.
United Nations Charter. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter
Smith, E.A. (1998). The Spanish-American War and the Rise of American Empire. Oxford University Press.
Sikkink, K. (2017). Evidence for Hope: Making Human Rights Work in the 21st Century. Princeton University Press.
