U.S. - Cuban Relations: A Quest for Change

摘要

Some are of the opinion that Cuba and the United States have never shared normal relations. This negative observation may have some merit. This study analyzes U.S.-Cuban relations starting with Castro's rise to power. It focuses on significant political activities reflected in U.S. sanctions against Cuba. In the past four decades, the world has seen incredible developments. The speed of technological changes is staggering, and we expect even greater leaps. However, U.S.-Cuban relations appear to be frozen in time. U.S.-Cuban relations paralleled U.S.-Soviets affairs during the Cold War. Then with the fall of Soviets, the Cuban 'threat' melted down. Or did it. Here resides the intriguing question, puzzling onlookers. U.S. sanctions against Cuba have actually increased. Careful scrutiny shows that U.S. policy has changed and that these changes are often closely related to specific events. But such scrutiny also shows that some things have not changed at all. U.S. relations with Cuba seem to be governed more by emotion than reason. Strong emotions often overrule common sense. Everyone wants change, but few are willing to initiate it. The most critical need is a change in attitude. The rest will follow.