This book addresses the relationship between Moscow and Havana in the period between the Russian and Cuban Revolutions, i.e. from November 1917 to January 1959. It analyzes the reasons why in this era before the Cuban Revolution, which is traditionally thought to have ignited Moscow’s interest in the Caribbean island, a relationship existed between the two countries at a variety of different levels. In order to do this, both the attention that the Third International, or Comintern, gave to Cuba, as well as Moscow’s formal state-to-state relations with Havana, are examined. In addition, United States policy towards both socialism and the Soviet Union are analyzed, due to the role that Washington played in Cuba prior to the Cuban Revolution. Following this, an examination of the events, process and dynamics that characterized the nature of the relationship between Moscow and Havana from 1917 to 1959 will be conducted. A number of conclusions will be given, but the primary one is that prior to January 1959, the Kremlin took considerable interest in Cuba and did not suffer from “geographical fatalism,” as has traditionally been thought. This is significant in itself, but also in light of the relationship that rapidly developed between Moscow and Havana in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, as a number of factors that were important in the pre-1959 relationship would also be significant after 1959. Furthermore, this analysis is also important for the contemporary bilateral relationship between Russia and Cuba, as both governments have made increasing reference to the multifaceted relationship that existed prior to 1959.

"Bain makes a strong case for greater Soviet interest in pre-revolutionary Cuba. . . . Mervyn Bain has succeeded splendidly by dint of careful archival research in revising the standard view of Soviet lack of interest in Cuba before the dramatic transformation in relations wrought by the 1959 revolution." - International Affairs

"Surprisingly little work has been done on the Soviet Union and Cuba. Mervyn Bain's work is a rare and welcome exception. . . .There is much to admire about this effort; scholars in this field need more histories of Soviet relations with Cuba, Latin America, and the third world in general . . . The interesting detail Bain has uncovered in archives in Russia and in Cuba will be of interest to specialists." - The Historian

"From Lenin to Castro is a first-class book on foreign policy that sheds light on the relationship between two of the most important socialist countries of the twentieth century. Bain’s account will undoubtedly lead to more revelations regarding Soviet diplomacy, not only with Cuba but also with other Latin American countries. Both political scientists and historians will find the book useful in the classroom and for research, as will scholars in international studies programs and programs including study of foreign affairs. Due to Bain’s analysis and use of various theories, the book will prove instructive in historical methodology courses. General audiences and readers with an interest in the Cold War, foreign relations, politics and history will also find this book informative." - The NEP Era: Soviet Russia, 1921-1928

"Bain is one of the few scholars who have used Comintern records for the 1921–43 period; he is to be congratulated for his insistence on seeing the importance of the ties between u.s. Communists and their Cuban counterparts. . . .Scholars will find Bain’s monograph a useful introduction to a little explored dimension of twentieth-century Cuban history." - New West Indian Guide