U.S.-Cuba Relations: Analysis of Post-Cold War Failed Rapprochement
Abstract
The United States and Cuba have long had a contentious relationship. Following Fidel Castros revolution, the antagonism was bolstered by the Soviet Unions support for Cuba. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, it was predicted by some that the end of Castros regime was near and the United States would be there to help with democratization of Cuba. Instead, Castro has managed to stay in power and the U.S. and Cuba have failed to achieve rapprochement. This thesis analyzes the Balsero rafter crisis of 1994, the use of Guantanamo Bay (and subsequent controversy) as a detention center for enemy combatants from the Afghanistan conflict, Obamas normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba, and finally the enactment of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (LIBERTAD), otherwise known as Helms-Burton. In doing so, the aim is to determine whether culture, structure, or the actions of individual leaders factored more predominately into the outcome of the four events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1080416
Entities
People
- Ryan G. Sorge
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School