Sign in

Andrés Pertierra

@andrespertierra.bsky.social
5.1K followers 407 following 1.1K posts

Historian of Cuba and Communist systems. LatAm & Caribbean History PhD candidate at UW-Madison. U of Havana BA, UW-Madison MA. Bylines in The Nation Mag & Dissent Mag, among others.

PostsRepliesMedia
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 3h
Results are still coming in but Bolsonaro’s son and political heir is thankfully now just barely south of the 50% he’d need to win outright Still devastating night for Lula and PT even if things go to second round
3414
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
We’re no closer to knowing much about the health episodes or attacks vs foreign diplos in Havana, but we now know the Canadians were spying on Cubans and passing intel to the Americans. Unsurprising given Five Eyes, but surprising to see it confirmed www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
theglobeandmail.com
Canadians were spying for U.S. in Cuba at time of alleged sonic attacks: source
Ottawa invokes rare law to keep details in lawsuit by injured diplomats secret, denies Canadians engaged in spying
0134
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Pretty astounding scoop from independent cuban media site El Toque; we now have granular details of financial workings of Cuban embassy in DC. In 6 years it made over $250 million USD sending most of it home while workers lived on a few hundred a month eltoque.com/las-cuentas-...
eltoque.com
Las cuentas secretas de la Embajada cubana en Washington: esta es la cantidad de dinero que recaudan en Estados Unidos
Documentos internos filtrados revelan que el Gobierno cubano convirtió sus servicios consulares en Estados Unidos en una fuente multimillonaria de ingresos, con metas anuales de recaudación que llegar...
181
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Not sure if this is actual plans for an occupation of Cuba or some kind of military intervention, on the one hand, or if this is yet more saber rattling meant as domestic fodder ahead of fall elections in the US. www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-gro...
cbsnews.com
U.S. military lays groundwork for potential action around Cuba
Some units would "possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days," according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News.
46715
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The story came out, Netenyahu denied it, now new sources are confirming it; he was warned about the imminent attack that became October 7th and failed to inform subordinates because he worried it would jeopardize Saudi Arabian recognition of Israel www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/w...
nytimes.com
Netanyahu Said to Have Been Warned by Emirati Leader About Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7 (Gift Article)
The warning from the leader of the United Arab Emirates, which lacked specific details about the nature of an attack, never reached the chiefs of Israel’s security establishment, Israeli officials sai...
411445
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Sometimes I want to post the juciest stuff from my dissertation online and barely restrain myself
060
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Ngl this is both funny and kind of mean of Chess dot com
1150
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
the abbot of unreason (an archaeologist) @merovingians.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Excellent work as always by Andrés.
171
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
substack.com/@pertierra/n...
substack.com
Andrés Pertierra (@pertierra)
Did a short write up on the state of the Cuban siege/crisis/stalemate
072
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
UN report sheds a light on deaths in custody and repression under Daniel Ortega's regime in Nicaragua. apnews.com/article/nica...
072
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In a time of profound crisis of the postwar international order, it will be interesting to see whether this translates into something substantive to actually help solve problems or just ends up yet another acronym among many others with limited real world impact www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Carney, Lula Urge Nations to Join Group to Unite Middle Powers
Leaders from Canada, Brazil, Kenya and the European Union unveiled a joint diplomatic front on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, seeking to shield global cooperation from an increasingly...
180
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The reporting on what we're sending (per even more recent reporting than what's linked) at least 25,000 immigrants into is enough to make the blood run cold. This on immigrants being deported to Equatorial Guinea (a dictatorship) despite no ties to the country www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Men deported from US bound and beaten in Equatorial Guinea detention hotel, lawyers say
Group trapped at Hotel Bamy after US removal as rights groups sound alarm over poor conditions and violence
073
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We almost started a war with China over AI hallucinated evidence until someone decided to double check
37225
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Poland lost over $400 million USD in scam over sanctioned Venezuelan oil finance.yahoo.com/markets/cryp...
finance.yahoo.com
How Poland's $424 Million Venezuela Oil Deal Went Wrong After USDT Payments
Orlen prepaid $230M for Venezuelan crude. The dollars became USDT on USB drives in Caracas, and the oil never sailed.
030
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
News dropped that former Venezuelan government official (until just this year) Alex Saab has entered a guilty plea in court in Florida and agreed to pay back almost 200 million dollars he had illicitly obtained through money laundering Maduro had welcomed him back to Venezuela with a gov post in 23
2100
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The Saudis are cancelling fuel shipments to Europe for late September and oil experts are saying the much warned about energy crisis is now well and truly here. Welcome to oil shock 2026
417334
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
0204
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Super scoop from Nora Gámez at Miami Herald. We now have details of the deal Trump admin was trying to push on Cuba through back channel negotiations via Raulito (Raúl's bodyguard/grandson/GAESA fixer): -Diaz-Canel leaves gov -country's oil monopoly privatized www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-...
miamiherald.com
Exclusive: How politics in Miami and Cuba killed secret negotiations, U.S. energy deal
The agreement would have given the United States significant sway over Cuba as its main oil provider.
13124
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Fascinating poll just dropped conducted on Cubans living in Cuba that shows overwhelming consensus blaming government for country's current crisis. Some quick thoughts, context, and caveats 🧵
2248
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Went into this expecting it to mostly be about the shady Chinese middleman currently in jail in China, but honestly this is an excellent short history of the political economy of Cuba's cigar industry over the past decade. Required reading for Cubanologos t.co/g5r5eujn9G
272
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Falkland Islands dispute is one of those issues where it's genuinely unhelpful to advocates for restoring them to Argentina when it comes up in the news because the more you learn about it, coming in as a third party observer, the weaker the case is
1191
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Realized that I forgot to also mention this: About halfway through Miss Gargantua: Reports from Cuba, by Tennant, and it is one of my favorite reads of the year Tennant achieves something really difficult; he manages to write clearly but also so eruditely even Cubanists will learn something
090
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
A short response to Marco Rubio's recent Cuba-Poland comparison Cuba is not Eastern Europe pertierra.substack.com/p/cuba-is-no...
pertierra.substack.com
Cuba is not Eastern Europe
Some thoughts on Rubio's comparison with Eastern European transitions from socialism
3184
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
According to Philippe Sands’ book on the attempt to try Pinochet in the late 90s-early 2000s, the Chilean dictator once asked a West German diplomat whether the 6 million figure for Jews who died in the Holocaust was wrong, and wasn’t it ‘just 4 million’
2112
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
0121
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Update on LMOA: He remains disappeared despite the end of his sentence and habeas corpus deadline was ignored. Seems like US has to give him a visa to be allowed to enter but has yet to do so and since Cuban government doesn’t want LMOA free they’ve disappeared him www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/w...
nytimes.com
Cuban Dissident Is Missing A Week After Prison Release
A Cuban artist awaiting permission from the Trump administration to enter the United States is being held in an unknown location in Cuba.
1101
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Friend of mine just published this! “This protracted struggle between Ukrainian and Soviet sports federations highlights how football became the unlikely first battleground for Ukrainian independence post–Second World War, a fight that continues to this day.” www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
180
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
dirm.bsky.social @dirm.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
If you've been wondering what is happening in Cuba but haven't found a good source, or have been avoiding the topic because the news is already too grim, I highly recommend you give this a listen. Andrés Pertierra is informative, entertaining, and just knows his shit. The other guys are good too
0335
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The most important Cuban dissident still in Cuba, the others having been forced into exile by now, was supposed to complete his 5 year prison term last week. He has been incommunicado at an unknown location (AKA disappeared) by Cuban security forces since right before going free
1133
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
Manfred Sing @ieg-sing.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
ieg.hypotheses.org/5512
ieg.hypotheses.org
“Godfatheresque” US Politics towards Cuba and Latin America
Andrés Pertierra, currently research fellow at the IEG, on the worsening situation in Cuba.
052
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
TPM @talkingpointsmemo.com · 26/06/2026
Cuba’s Human Tragedy featuring Andrés Pertierra
talkingpointsmemo.com
Cuba’s Human Tragedy featuring Andrés Pertierra
Josh and Joe are joined by Andrés to discuss the current state...
0248
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Wrote an extended lookback on 10 years of writing on Cuba, what I got right and what I missed, over on my Substack pertierra.substack.com/p/over-ten-y...
pertierra.substack.com
Over Ten Years of Writing on Cuba
A lookback on what I got right, what I missed, and why
1113
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
Evan Fritz @efritz.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Also, the podcast in question is Orígenes: A Cuban History Podcast by @andrespertierra.bsky.social, for those interested. I'm only a few episodes in, but yeah, so far, it seems pretty good.
0101
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
Akela Lacy @akelalacy.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
NEW POD 🎧: Cuba is spiraling into a humanitarian crisis. Trump has kept the Caribbean in his crosshairs, kidnapped the Venezuelan president & executed >140 people in boat strikes — what does he want with Cuba? W/ @mjbusta.bsky.social & @andrespertierra.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
What Does the Trump Administration Want With Cuba?
Podcast Episode · The Intercept Briefing · February 20 · 59m
22519
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
Ned Richardson-Little @historyned.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Over 28 years, 140 people died at the Berlin Wall from all causes (intentional shooting, drowning, accidents, etc.). #comparativeborderregimes
218071
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Cuban government has informed airlines that they only have about 24 hours worth of fuel left for planes. Beyond the obvious damage that suddenly shutting down any country's air travel would have, a not at all small % of food and medicine in Cuba comes by luggage on airlines efe.com/economia/202...
efe.com
Cuba comunica a las aerolíneas que en 24 horas se queda sin combustible para aviones - EFE
El Gobierno de Cuba advirtió a las aerolíneas internacionales que operan en la isla que a partir de este lunes el país se queda sin combustible para aviación.
913380
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Possible big scoop by ABC, if true, is that Mexico is mediating talks between Cuba, represented by Raul's son Alejandro Castro, and representatives of the CIA. Talks are in Mexico with Cuba offering access and opening up of economy for survival www.abc.es/internaciona...
abc.es
El castrismo negocia con EE.UU. no ser derrocado a cambio de abrir la economía de Cuba
Con la mediación de México, el coronel Alejandro Castro Espín, hijo de Raúl y sobrino de Fidel, dirige las negociaciones con agentes de la CIA
1155
Reposted by Andrés Pertierra
Sharon 🪳🌹 @sharonk.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Good @andrespertierra.bsky.social article: pertierra.substack.com/p/revolution...
pertierra.substack.com
Revolution is the Secret Ingredient
Transition Lit, Part 2
0142
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Venezuela isn't sending oil to Cuba, Mexico may but is not currently sending oil, last shipment of oil was earlier this month and in a small quantity, island may have 15-20 days of reserves left, and now US imposes an oil blockade on the island. If China is going to step in, it would have to be now
12810
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
First heard about Cuban Studies Journal as an undergrad and honestly never even thought to imagine publishing in it, so it's a surreal feeling to see my name in its table of contents
1170
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
In late 2025, Cuba's main two sources of oil were Venezuela and Mexico, who combined still supplied far less than the island needed, leading to 20+ hour a day blackouts on most of the island In less than a month Cuba has lost both. Unclear what reserves remain www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
11412
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
US is considering replicating the naval blockade part of its Venezuela strategy but against Cuba; the island country produces almost no oil of its own and solar panel transition is still tiny fraction of consumption. Also, truck transportation of food and water 🗝️ www.reuters.com/business/ene...
reuters.com
Trump administration considers naval blockade to halt Cuban oil imports, Politico reports
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering imposing a total blockade on oil imports to Cuba as part of possible new tactics to drive leadership change in the Caribbean country, Politi...
3185
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
WSJ scoop confirms what many surmised: Cuba is next after Venezuela, with regime change strategies already under way www.wsj.com/world/americ...
wsj.com
Exclusive | The U.S. Is Actively Seeking Regime Change in Cuba by the End of the Year
After ousting Venezuela’s leader, the Trump administration is hunting for Havana insiders who could cut a deal to end Communist rule.
38640
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
One of my favorite historians is Fernand Braudel, made deservedly famous for his massive two-volume history of the Mediterranean world in the 16th century. Had always known he wrote initial draft while a POW during WWII. Just found out he was held prisoner here in Mainz.
1221
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Wrote a quick response to the hypothesis being promoted by Timothy Snyder re: Cuban government complicity in Maduro's capture; basically, seems unlikely unless new significant evidence comes to light pertierra.substack.com/p/think-hors...
pertierra.substack.com
Think 'Horse' instead of 'Zebra'
Why I don't think Cubans were 'in on' Maduro's abduction
080
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Most absurd *possible* result of recent events: -Chavismo sans Maduro survives indefinitely in power -Maduro gets acquitted on a legal technicality or wins outright because US case against him was made poorly -Trump makes oil companies invest but they lose tons of $$$
3504
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Another potentially interesting bit of news re: Maduro extraction by US special forces. Cuba is officially confirming 32 dead, between military and intelligence officials, as a result of the strike. This may be linked to claim that he had personal Cuban bodyguards www.reuters.com/world/americ...
1193
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Important words of wisdom from the incomparable Thomas Mann for these troubled times
010
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Something that this has me thinking about is Cuba in the 1950s. Fidel Castro thought the Directorio's plan to assassinate Batista was a major strategic mistake precisely because it might succeed. He thought anti-Batista sentiment was unifying, a replacement would dull consensus
1648
Andrés Pertierra @andrespertierra.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
No matter how dumb things seem, they can apparently always be dumber: "Mr. Maduro's regular public dancing and other displays of nonchalance in recent weeks helped persuade some on the Trump team that the Venezuelan president was mocking them and trying to call what he believed to be a bluff"
23423118