By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Cuba experienced its third nationwide power outage of the year, highlighting ongoing struggles with electricity supply exacerbated by a US oil blockade. This latest blackout, described as an “agony” by residents, compounded existing severe, multi-day power cuts implemented to conserve dwindling fuel. The impoverished island’s aging power infrastructure, heavily reliant on fuel, is further strained by sanctions and limited oil imports, pushing Cuba closer to a humanitarian crisis despite investments in solar energy.
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‘Living like this is agony’: Cuba suffers third nationwide blackout in six months
The recurring nationwide blackouts in Cuba, the third such event in just six months, paint a grim picture of the island’s escalating energy crisis. These widespread power outages aren’t just inconveniences; they represent a severe disruption to daily life, hitting families, hospitals, and businesses that are already grappling with immense difficulties. It’s a stark reminder that such power failures disproportionately punish ordinary citizens, not the politicians who might be seen as responsible for the underlying issues. The sheer repetition of these events, now marking the eighth major blackout since late 2024 for the nation of 9.6 million, underscores the systemic nature of the problem and the deep-seated struggles Cuba is facing.
The question of blame for Cuba’s plight is complex and often sparks heated debate. Some argue that the ongoing United States embargo, a policy that has persisted for decades, is a primary driver of these hardships. They point out that the Cold War has long since ended, and the US has normalized relations with many former adversaries, yet Cuba continues to face what they perceive as punitive economic measures. The argument is that this continued isolation, particularly the blocking of oil imports, directly exacerbates fuel shortages and leads to these devastating blackouts. For many, this isn’t just bad policy; it’s seen as an act of collective punishment, deliberately causing suffering to an entire population with the hope of eventual political change.
Others, however, contend that the blame lies squarely with the Cuban government itself. They highlight the absence of democratic elections and the continued jailing or expulsion of political dissidents as fundamental issues. From this perspective, the blackouts are a consequence of a government that has failed to address the needs of its people and is resistant to reform. The call for the government to return nationalized industries, properties, and release political prisoners before any significant lifting of sanctions is a recurring theme in this line of reasoning. It suggests that until internal governance issues are resolved, external pressure, including economic sanctions, will continue.
The historical context of US-Cuban relations is crucial to understanding the current situation. The US embargo predates former President Trump by decades and was initially a response to Cuba’s nationalization of American-owned industries and properties, as well as its alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, including the shooting down of US pilots and the Cuban Missile Crisis. While the embargo’s origins are rooted in Cold War politics, its continuation and the specific tightening of sanctions on oil shipments under the Trump administration have undeniably worsened Cuba’s energy crisis. This action, by restricting fuel imports particularly from Venezuela, has directly contributed to the power outages.
The notion of the United States as a “terrorist nation” or engaging in “state terrorism” is a strong accusation leveled by some commentators. They define terrorism broadly as the use of violence against non-combatants for political aims and extend this to state terrorism, which involves a state acting against its own citizens or those of another state. Applied to Cuba, this perspective suggests that the US, through its embargo and sanctions, is deliberately inflicting suffering on the Cuban populace, which they equate to a form of terrorism. This viewpoint emphasizes the human cost of these policies, arguing that the suffering of civilians is an unacceptable outcome, regardless of the political motivations.
Conversely, the idea that causing civilian suffering constitutes terrorism is strongly refuted by others. They argue that while the blackouts are tragic, the term “terrorism” is misapplied. They maintain that the desire to alleviate suffering does not automatically make one a communist sympathizer, but rather highlights a concern for basic human rights and well-being. This counter-argument seeks to draw a distinction between political policies and acts of terrorism, suggesting that the economic pressure applied to Cuba, while impactful, does not fit the definition of terrorism in the way it is commonly understood.
The economic model and its vulnerabilities in Cuba are also central to the discussion. Some observe that Cubans have become accustomed to hardship, often waiting in lines and adjusting to shortages, suggesting a level of societal conditioning to scarcity. This perspective raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the current system and implies that societal resilience has been built out of necessity rather than preference. The comparison to a future where citizens in other nations might also be conditioned to own less and be content with less is a stark warning for some about societal trajectories.
The practical challenges of transitioning to alternative energy sources like nuclear or solar power are significant for Cuba. Accessing the necessary raw materials, technology, and expertise for these advanced systems is severely hampered by the economic embargo. While the Obama administration attempted a thaw in relations, aiming to ease some restrictions and foster engagement, subsequent policies, particularly those tightening sanctions, have reversed much of that progress. This illustrates the cyclical nature of US-Cuba policy and the impact it has on the island’s ability to modernize and secure its energy infrastructure.
Ultimately, the recurring blackouts in Cuba are a symptom of deeper, multifaceted issues, involving historical grievances, ongoing political tensions, and severe economic challenges. The debate over who or what is most responsible continues, with arguments pointing towards both the long-standing US embargo and the internal governance of Cuba. Regardless of the primary cause, the human cost is undeniable, with widespread suffering and a deep sense of agony for a population grappling with the daily reality of living under the shadow of these persistent energy crises. The situation serves as a complex case study in international relations, economics, and the profound impact of policy decisions on the lives of ordinary people.