Cuba and the U.S.
Great Decisions 2016 | Topic 8

The U.S. announced in December 17, 2014, that, after decades of isolation, it would being taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba.
The U.S. announced in December 17, 2014, that, after decades of isolation, it would being taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba, its neighbor to the south. The announcement marked a dramatic shift away from a policy that has its roots in one of the darkest moments of the Cold War—the Cuban missile crisis. Although the U.S. trade embargo is unlikely to end any time soon, American and Cuban leaders today are trying to bring a relationship once defined by antithetical ideologies into the 21st century.
Latest News
Blogs
Articles
- Lots of diplomacy, not many dollars
- Cultural obstacles to U.S.-Cuba relations
- Timeline U.S.-Cuba Relations
- Where U.S.-Cuba relations stand and what may change
- Cuban immigration to U.S. surges as relations warm
- Polls: Cubans welcome warmer relations with the U.S.
Winter Updates
- President Obama considering visit to Cuba to shore up relations – and his foreign policy legacy
- U.S. Coast Guard: New Spike in Cuban Migrant Boats, Violence
- Why The Cuba Trade Embargo Still Isn't Going Anywhere
- The Thaw with Cuba and the Region
- Finish line in sight for post-Castro Cuba
- Obama to Cuba: A gamble to end the embargo
2016 National Opinion Ballot Report
Related Organizations
Recommended Readings
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Debating U.S.-Cuban Relations: Shall We Play Ball?
A comprehensive volume covering the complexities and nuances of economic, political, security, people-to-people, and global issues in US-Cuba relations, with chapters by many of the most prominent Cuba scholars and analysts.
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The Cuba Wars: Fidel Castro, the United States, and the Next Revolution
This critical look at long-running political narratives about Cuba is written by one of the leading policy community experts on the country, currently a State Department official deeply involved in the ongoing opening.
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The New Cuban Economy: What Roles for Foreign Investment?
This paper offers a clear-headed analysis of possibilities and obstacles facing foreign investment in the Cuban economy.
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Cuba’s Economic Change in Comparative Perspective
This collection of papers from many of the leading international and Cuban economists considers the challenges and obstacles to economic reform on the island.
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Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana
History is being made in U.S.-Cuban relations. This powerful book tells the real story behind the stunning December 17, 2014, announcement by President Obama and President Castro of their move to restore full diplomatic relations. The book is essential to understanding ongoing efforts toward normalization in a new era of engagement.
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Cuban Revelations: Behind the Scenes in Havana
In this book, a freelance journalist with two decades of experience in Cuba explores an inside perspective on the Cuban economy, government and society from 1994 to 2013.
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Cuba Under Raúl Castro: Assessing the Reforms
This book is the authoritative account of the economic reforms attempted by the government of Raúl Castro and their limitations.
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Cuba: From Columbus to Castro and Beyond
Suchlicki writes a thorough, approachable history of the island of Cuba, placing the Castro government in a complex historical context.
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Cuba After Communism: The Economic Reforms That Are Transforming the Island
This article provides an in-depth look at the possibilities for economic reforms in Cuba and considers their likely consequences.
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Cuba: U.S. Policy and Issues for the 114th Congress
This report summarizes the political issues that faced U.S. foreign policy almost one year after the diplomatic opening with Cuba.
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Cuba: U.S. Policy and Issues for the 113th Congress
This report summarizes the political issues that faced U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba shortly preceding the announcement of the diplomatic opening.
Great Decisions 2025 cover image.