UN condemnation of US embargo on Cuba and the shifting tides in Latin America

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

The United Nations General Assembly has, for the 33rd consecutive year, condemned the US economic embargo on Cuba. This overwhelming global consensus once again highlights who truly stands isolated. Out of the 184 member states that participated in the vote, 165 supported Cuba’s resolution, seven voted against, and twelve abstained. Those siding with the United States were Argentina, Hungary, Israel, Ukraine, Paraguay, and North Macedonia. Notably, even the European Union refrained from backing Washington, while most of the abstaining countries were close allies of the US.

Cuba has endured the US embargo since 1968, primarily because it refused to allow American corporations to exploit its natural resources and economy. Under the legendary leadership of Fidel Castro, Cuba emerged as a self-respecting nation dedicated to socialism and sovereignty. Ironically, the word “socialism” itself became vilified in much of Western media, shaped by powerful corporate and political interests.

Today, the US appears to be pursuing similar regime change operations in Venezuela and Colombia, countries that, like Cuba, have resisted Washington’s influence. The rhetoric of “promoting democracy” often masks deeper strategic and economic motives. Venezuela’s vast oil reserves make it a particularly coveted target. The ongoing narrative in sections of US media about “restoring democracy” seems designed to prepare public opinion for possible intervention—an action that would clearly violate international norms.

While Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia are much smaller than the United States militarily and economically, it would be a mistake to underestimate their peoples’ resolve. History has shown that bombing a country and winning over its people are two very different things. Any US military move in the region could backfire, deepening instability and resentment rather than achieving control. The parallels with Vietnam are hard to ignore—another instance where military might failed to conquer national will.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro now faces a defining moment: whether to unify his country against external pressure or yield to it. Russia has voiced open support for Venezuela, while Iran and China have also shown active engagement. Whether Washington proceeds with intervention will depend not only on geopolitical calculations but also on how unified Venezuelan resistance proves to be.

If the people of Venezuela successfully resist US interference, it could become a turning point reminiscent of the Vietnam era—one that might finally curb Washington’s long-standing ambition to dominate its southern neighbors. For the sake of a multipolar and democratic global order, such corporate-driven regime change efforts must be rejected. It is also a moment for alliances like BRICS to stand firm and uphold sovereignty, international law, and genuine self-determination.

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*Human rights defender