United States and Cuba: From a Strategy of Conflict to Constructive Engagement

摘要

The author discusses the potential explosiveness of the present Cuban situationand the possibility that it might lead to U.S. military involvement. The crisis of the Cuban Revolution has once again raised a number of security issues for the United States, along with important questions about the effectiveness and wisdom of the three-decade-old U.S. policy of containment and punishment. In particular, we need a better understanding of those forces promoting political stability and instability as well as the impact of U.S. policy. If, as the author suggests, American policy may actually be strengthening the Castro regime in the short run, while building up tension which may lead to a violent explosion in the longer run, then a strong case can be made for a change to a strategy better suited to fostering a peaceful transition. The author details the components of such a policy.... Containment and punishment, Castro regime, Constructive engagement, Threat reduction, Radio marti, U.S. Embargo, Torricelli Law.