Episode #91 - July 2026

Cuba has long played a role in U.S. foreign relations, including as a one time part of the country following the Spanish American War in 1898. However, since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the relationship has been rocky to say the least. As tensions between the two countries ratchet up, now is an important time to dive into this history and understand where things are headed. While the popular image of Cuba as a Communist stronghold has faded, many reforms have taken place to open up the space for private ownership and community organizing. Recently, the Cuban government announced the passage of 176 economic reforms, which they say are based on lessons learned from other communist countries like China and Vietnam.

However, the United States has  continued to ratchet up the pressure on this island nation, continuing the longest running embargo/sanctions regime against any one entity. This has pushed an economy that was already in a precarious position over the edge, causing major power outages and food shortages. Under the threat of invasion by the U.S., tensions are high,  but hope for a collaborative approach remains. 

In this month's episode, we dive into this long and complex history to better understand the challenges and opportunities to collaboration. We also explore where these two governments have found agreement in the past and discuss if a complete change in Cuba's government is even in the U.S.' best interests at this point.

Dr. Jorge Dominguez is a former professor, with a particular interest in Cuba and Mexico. His current research focuses on comparative politics across Latin America and is the author and co-editor of several dozen books on the subject. Born in Cuba, his family left the island in 1960 for Miami and New York. He now resides in New Hampshire.

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