The relationship between actress Ana de Armas and Manuel Anido Cuesta, stepson of Miguel Díaz-Canel, has captured international attention due to its nuances of glamour, power, and controversy.
What might seem like a common romance is emerging as an unexpected piece on the chessboard of Cuban "soft power," a strategy that uses cultural influence to soften the regime's image and convey a message of "peace and love" while controversies rage within the country.
The power of culture in diplomacy
The concept of "soft power," coined by American political scientist Joseph Nye, describes how governments can project their influence through culture, values, and human relationships, rather than by demonstrations of force or coercion.
In a globalized world, where public figures serve as unwitting ambassadors for their nations, Ana de Armas, with her rising career in Hollywood, has become a face associated with Cuba.
The actress is a role model for many, representing talent that carves its way and succeeds in the United States without the need to take a political stance.
Ana de Armas's silence regarding the reality of life in Cuba has long been a subject of debate on social media. Some defend her stance, while others consider it selfish to become wealthy and not denounce the repression occurring in her homeland.
However, the announcement of her romance with Manuel Anido Cuesta sparked criticism, prompted Cubans to take sides, and gave them a voice in the international media narrative.
The world watched in astonishment as a romance sparked hateful comments. In the minds of millions who are unfamiliar with the Cuban reality, a question arose: What kind of people are the Cuban opponents who criticize a woman for standing up for her love?
Manuel Anido Cuesta: Ambassador of Cuban "soft power"
Ana does not officially represent the Cuban government, but her relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, a man connected to the inner circle of power, raises questions about how this connection might be interpreted politically.
Is Ana aware of the impact her presence has on the international narrative about Cuba? Or is she simply an actress caught in a dynamic she cannot control? The coincidence that she played Marilyn Monroe is intriguing, as it brings to mind the perfect metaphor for this situation.
The romance between Ana and Manuel is a double-edged sword for the Cuban government. The actress could help humanize the image of the island's political elite, but her connection to figures of the regime also exposes criticisms of her role, whether voluntary or not, in an oppressive system.
Ana's Dilemma: Cultural Icon or Political Tool
The challenge for Ana de Armas lies in balancing her identity as a global artist with her Cuban roots. Her success in Hollywood has made her a role model for many Latinos, but her relationship with Anido Cuesta could overshadow that perception and reshape her image into a symbol of the privileges associated with power.
The Cuban government might view this romantic relationship as an opportunity to project a more favorable narrative abroad, using the actress as a cultural bridge.
In a context where the regime faces international criticism, "soft power" may be one of the few tools at its disposal to gain traction in international public opinion and attract new figures from film, art, and culture to explore the country and to "find love in Cuba."
Moreover, making headlines in the gossip press distracts attention from the new laws being imposed, from the blackouts, from the shortage of food, and repositions a romanticized view of Cuba in the media discourse.
The connection between Ana de Armas and Manuel Anido Cuesta goes beyond media interest, raising questions about the role of cultural figures in complex political contexts.
In a country where propaganda has historically been a tool, this romance is clearly a modern strategy of "soft power."
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