Nathan T Webb
(Postgraduate Student, MA IREL Global Program, Webster University, Missouri, USA)
Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 1 October 2017
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Re-search Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).
On December 17th, 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a historic policy change to begin the normalization of diplomatic relations between their two countries. This landmark decision was already paying off, as U.S. engagement with Cuba increased bilateral cooperation in areas such as national security, immigration enforcement, and countering narcotic smuggling (Eaton, 2017). But today, the Cuban-American détente is at risk of collapse in the hands of the Trump Administration’s new direction. While studies show that 63% of Americans oppose the continuation of the U.S.-Cuban embargo in favor of better relations with their neighbor to the south, President Trump has taken a clear stance opposing the economic and foreign policy changes put in place by his predecessor (FIU, 2016). However, President Castro intends on returning Cuba to the international community, and if the U.S. refuses provide support - someone else will. A complete reversal of diplomatic restoration would take the U.S. back to unsuccessful Cold War-inspired policy, allowing current foreign opposition to fill the gap left behind...Read more