Abstract
Examines Cuba's situation at the end of the Cold War, the roots of Fidel Castro's power, and American policy towards Cuba.
Description
For years large subsidies from the Soviet Union helped to hide the inefficiency of the Cuban economy, but as the Soviet Union began to disintegrate the subsidies were phased out, revealing the true weakness of the socialist economy. With Cuba's Marxist allies in Latin American and Europe all turning towards democratic capitalism, Cuba became increasingly isolated, and many in the foreign policy community began to speculate about a post-Castro Cuba. However, unlike the communist leaders of Eastern Europe, Fidel Castro came to power as a homegrown nationalist who had personally ousted a corrupt and brutal regime, and as a result continued to enjoy widespread popular support despite the nation's floundering economy. In this episode, the panel examines the reasons that Castro has been able to remain in power for so long, as well as American policy towards Cuba - should the United States pursue a policy of benign neglect, of increased economic pressure, or of open engagement between the two countries? Featuring Karen Elliott House of the Wall Street Journal, Former National Security Advisor Richard Allen, and Foreign Policy magazine editor William Maynes.
Location
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; Cuba;
