With reference to Castro (Cuba) or Nasser (Egypt), to what extent did the use of force contribute to his maintenance of power?

Candidates are required to consider how far the use of force contributed to the maintenance of power by the chosen leader.

Indicative content

Castro

• Show trials were used to punish opponents.
• CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution), an important form of public surveillance, were used to prevent counter-revolutionary activity.
• Labour camps were used to “re-educate”, although these were closed in 1968.
• The Mariel boatlift and other forms of emigration could also be mentioned.
• Other factors may include: the use of propaganda; populist policies; attempts to improve education and health care; economic support from the USSR; US attempts to destabilize his regime that gave Castro a scapegoat for Cuba’s problems and an external enemy to unite the people.

Nasser

• The military was fundamental to Nasser’s rule and provided a base for state security.
• Prisons were used to hold Communists and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, in particular, and opponents in general.
• A large security apparatus was used to remove political rivals or opponents.
• Other factors may include: the cult of personality that flourished especially as Nasser was both charismatic and a strong orator; the strong appeal of nationalism and Pan-Arabism; the use of external enemies to unite the population; widespread use of propaganda, especially the radio station, “The Voice of the Arabs” that broadcast Nasser’s speeches in Egypt and elsewhere;
  anti-imperialist policies such as the nationalization of the Suez Canal; the building of the Aswan Dam and his support, in general, for the fellahin. The apparent benevolence of Nasser, as seen in a description of Egypt as “a dictatorship without a dictator”.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]