This document discusses the political and economic history of Cuba. It notes that Cuba has a communist government led by the Cuban Communist Party, with a three branch system led by President Raul Castro. The document outlines reforms Cuba has undertaken since the 1950s, including establishing a welfare state. More recently, Cuba has debated moving away from a purely socialist economic model and allowing some private enterprise and foreign investment to address economic issues while maintaining socialist values and sovereignty. The Cuban government recognizes weaknesses in its system and is working to improve political institutions, decentralize some functions, and distinguish essential socialist goals from aspects that can incorporate market principles.