U.S.-Cuba Relations
Abstract
The island nation of Cuba, located just ninety miles off the coast of Florida, is home to 11 million people and has one of the few remaining communist regimes in the world. Since 1959, American policy planners have had to consider the implications of an unfriendly communist dictator a mere 90 miles from Key West, Florida. Due to Fidel Castro's health and age, there is a very distinct possibility that there will be a new leader in Cuba in the very near future. Opening up our markets to Cuba and ending the embargo and trade sanctions would allow the US to have a hand in shaping the post-Castro Cuba. Cuba has the potential to be a leader in a region beset by poverty and instability. Moreover, violence and economic collapse in Cuba could easily start a massive exodus in the direction of Miami. Establishing close economic ties will be the key to jump-starting the economy and promoting the stability the U.S. needs on its borders. Stability in Cuba is in the best interest of the United States. This paper briefly examines the history of Cuba, the background of the current U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba, the effect of Castro's death on Cuba's foreign and domestic policies, and the implications for U.S. policies and possible alternatives posed by a post-Fidel Castro Cuban government.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414568
Entities
People
- Mark Triplett
Organizations
- United States Army War College