Presente y futuro en las relaciones Estados Unidos-Cuba: un ejercicio de analisis y especulacion

In: Foro internacional: revista trimestral, Band 43, Heft 3, S. 693-703

Abstract

The lack of formal diplomatic relations between Cuba & the US for 40 years deserves an explanation. Falcoff's article elucidates this odd situation based on five aspects that he considers to have defined US policy toward Cuba: inertia, property claims, historic grudges, basic values, & domestic politics. Inertia refers to the long-lasting US confrontational policy toward Cuba despite the establishment of Interest Sections in both Washington & Havana, & the signature of agreements between the two governments. Secondly, property claims will represent a hurdle -- aggravated by the Helms-Burton Act -- as long as a compensation formula acceptable to both parties is not reached. Historic grudges are obviously the result of an extremely complex relationship between the two countries well before the 1959 revolution & that has been somehow recuperated by Castro's government. Basic values are still a source of conflict: what is at stake is not only a clash between communism & democracy, human rights & free markets, but also US hegemony. Finally, the Cuban-American community represents undoubtedly a key element to understand domestic politics. This community, however, as well as the American public & even some segments of US government have gradually adopted a more flexible view toward Cuba. Inevitably, Cuba & the US will have to normalize relations in the future, & Falcoff concludes by speculating about this eventuality. Adapted from the source document.