Miranda Center report reveals military-economic control in Cuba, Venezuela

by@IRIglobal

Summary

The recent report launched by the Miranda Center at Florida International University's Gordon Institute investigates how authoritarian regimes in Cuba and Venezuela utilize military-controlled economic systems to maintain power. In Cuba, the military-run conglomerate GAESA dominates 40-50% of the national economy, while Venezuela has developed a dispersed network of 44 defense-linked entities that operate across various sectors. The report emphasizes that these military and economic interactions serve as vital strategies for authoritarian survival, rather than mere byproducts of corruption. Following the removal of Maduro on January 3, 2026, there is a critical opportunity to dismantle these military-commercial structures in Venezuela, a move that may be essential for future democratic prospects.

Analysis

GAESA: GAESA is Cuba's primary military-run business conglomerate that oversees a wide array of commercial enterprises across the economy. It operates as a centralized holding entity controlling significant portions of national resources and industries. The report examines how GAESA's structure has been replicated in Venezuela to entrench regime survival through economic dominance. Miranda Center: The Miranda Center for Democratic Studies is a research organization focused on democratic governance and authoritarianism in Latin America. It produces investigative reports analyzing economic and political structures in countries like Cuba and Venezuela. The center's latest report, launched with support from the IRI, details how military conglomerates sustain authoritarian power through economic capture. Gordon Institute: The Gordon Institute at Florida International University (FIU) is an academic center dedicated to advancing public policy, leadership, and democratic studies. It hosted the launch event for the Miranda Center's report on military-economic control in Cuba and Venezuela. The institute's involvement highlights its role in facilitating research dissemination on regional authoritarian dynamics. Venezuelan Government: The Venezuelan Government refers to the regime under Nicolás Maduro, which has integrated military-linked entities into key economic sectors including banking, mining, and retail. It adapted elements of Cuba's military-commercial model to maintain control. Recent developments include Maduro's removal in January 2026, creating a potential opening to address these structures. Report Focus: The report analyzes military conglomerates as central tools for authoritarian survival rather than mere byproducts of corruption in Cuba and Venezuela. Regional Model: Cuba's centralized GAESA approach and Venezuela's dispersed network of 44 defense-linked entities both convert economic control into political loyalty mechanisms. Recent Development: Maduro's removal opened a potential window in Venezuela for dismantling military-commercial architectures alongside the prior government structures.

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