WILL BIDEN MAKE MAJOR CHANGES TO U.S. POLICY ON CUBA?

November 30, 2020 Cuba Insight A publication of the Cuban Studies Institute

WILL BIDEN MAKE MAJOR CHANGES TO U.S. POLICY ON CUBA? *By Jaime Suchlicki   In an interview during the presidential campaign, V.P. Joe Biden was asked about his Cuba policy if elected President.  He responded that he would follow the Obama policy.  Did Mr. Biden mean that he would offer General Raúl Castro more unilateral concessions with little or nothing in return?  The Obama policies failed to secure any change regarding respect for human rights on the island, the return of confiscated properties, the reduction of military presence in Venezuela, the return of terrorists hiding in the island or moderation in Cuba’s anti-U.S. policies. The continuation of the disastrous Obama Cuba policies will only prolong the agony of the Cuban people and delay a return to a more humane regime in Cuba.  How about a policy of more tourism and humanitarian aid in exchange for more freedom and respect for human rights?  Or perhaps it would be best to reserve any initiatives for after General Raúl Castro (who is now 89) is no longer in the picture.  At a time of transition in Cuba, U.S. policy and initiatives could be effective.   Historically, unilateral concessions toward totalitarian regimes have failed to achieve U.S. objectives.  Adversaries pocket the concessions and ask for more. Only a no-nonsense policy of quid pro quo will achieve, at least, partial objectives in Cuba.  The reality of a hardline entrenched military Marxist regime in the island and in Venezuela represent real challenges to the new Biden administration.  “Making nice” will not change that reality. Read on website * Jaime Suchlicki is Director and founder of the Cuban Studies Institute. He is the author of Cuba: From Columbus to Castro, now in its fifth edition; Mexico: From Montezuma to NAFTA, now in its second edition and the recently published Breve Historia de Cuba.  He is a highly regarded consultant to the public and private sectors. Published in The Inter-American Dialogue’s Daily Latin America Advisor on November 19, 2020.

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