CHE, FIDEL AND LEADERSHIP IN CUBA: A PSYCHOANALYTICAL APPROACH

Abstract

The key focus in this article is upon the leadership pairing between Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, the Cuban and the Argentine (the insider and outsider). There are many perspectives of interest in this relationship but our focus is on 'Messianic leadership' (Western 2008). Exploring this we utilise theory from the British Object Relations approach to psychoanalysis citing Melanie Klein and Wilfred Bion in particular, to help explain how this pairing has had a lasting symbolic impact, particularly influencing and possibly contributing to the longevity of Fidel Castro's leadership.