U.S. Policy and Cuba
Abstract
Today, as the world enters the new millennium, the world stage has changed dramatically since the early days of the Cuban Revolution. There is a new world order. The Cold War and the former Soviet Union no longer exist. The U.S. is the world's lone superpower. The globalized economy is rapidly becoming a reality as ever-improving information technology better creates the means to instantly communicate anywhere in the world. The former Eastern block nations, as well as Latin American countries, have all embraced free enterprise and democratic governments to raise the living standards of their citizens. The United States enjoys normal trade and diplomatic relations with all the countries of the former Soviet bloc and recently granted China Most Favored Nation status. In establishing these relationships, the United States seeks to enhance security, bolster its economy and promote democratic values throughout the world. Yet in the United States' own Caribbean backyard, Cuba remains a lone holdout to American democratic capitalism. For four decades, the United States has maintained an economic blockade against the neighboring island nation of Cuba. Throughout the Cold War period, from 1960 onward, Cuba was perceived as a threat to U.S. national security. Cuba's expropriation of U.S. property following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, subsequent alliance with the Soviet Union, communism, the Cuban missile crisis and support for armed revolutionary forces throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1970s and 1980s ensured support for the embargo remained strong in the United States. This research paper examines the U.S.-Cuban relationship in a historical context and addresses current U.S. policy in light of disparaging national views of a shared history. It concludes with recommendations for the future policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377974
Entities
People
- Larry Stubblefield
Organizations
- United States Army War College