Belarus—Cuba: From the Partisan Alliance of Fidel Castro and Petr Masherov to the Contemporary Anti-Fascist Youth Movement
Abstract
This article examines the historical relationship between Belarus and Cuba through the personal friendship of revolutionary leaders Fidel Castro and Petr Masherov, tracing its enduring influence on contemporary anti-fascist solidarity and youth activism. Drawing upon archival documents, historical memoirs, and the research project Castro and Masherov: The Belarusian Summer of 1972, it recounts the development of their relationship, emphasizing their shared experiences of partisan struggle and commitment to socialist internationalism. Particular attention is given to Castro’s July 1972 visit to Soviet Belarus, including his encounters with Soviet citizens, visits to memorials commemorating the struggle against fascism, and expressions of solidarity with Belarusian veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The article further examines the continuation of Belarusian-Cuban diplomatic relations following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the significance of this revolutionary heritage for contemporary political movements. Highlighting the establishment of the Great Anti-Fascist Youth Movement and the June 2026 Anti-Fascist Youth Meeting in Minsk, it argues that historical memory and international cooperation remain essential instruments in resisting imperialism, defending national sovereignty, and mobilizing younger generations in the struggle against contemporary forms of fascism.
Keywords
Anti-Fascism, Belarus, Cuba, Fidel Castro, Petr Masherov, Socialist Internationalism
