Engagement or Estrangement: What next for US-Cuban relations?

Three years have passed since presidents Obama and Castro announced their plans for a historic shift in US-Cuban relations—from hostility and isolation to open engagement. But from its outset, the Trump Administration has slowed the US opening toward Cuba. In recent months, revelations of a mysterious malady of still unknown origin, suffered by large numbers of US diplomats in Havana, resulted in a sharp reduction in Embassy staff, demands that Cuba shrink its staff in Washington, travel warnings to Americans, and some harsh rhetoric on both sides. Now the future of the US Cuba policy has become murky and unpredictable, especially as the Cuban government faces a range of other critical uncertainties—including an economic slowdown and a prospective change in leadership.

To better understand the current situation and what is soon to come, the Dialogue is pleased to partner with the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition to host some of the top analysts on Cuban affairs for an open and frank exchange. The above photo, captured by World Press Photo award-winner Tomas Munita, is part of the visually stunning series “Cuba on the Edge of Change,” which will be shown during the event.

Speakers:
- Jorge I. Dominguez, Antonio Madero Professor, Harvard University
- Emily Mendrala, Executive Director, Center for Democracy in the Americas
- Michael Bustamante, Assistant Professor, Florida International University (@MJ_Busta)

Moderator: Michael Camilleri, Director, Peter D. Bell Rule of Law Program, Inter-American Dialogue (@camillerimj)

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The Inter-American Dialogue engages our network of global leaders to foster democratic governance, prosperity, and social equity in Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we work to shape policy debate, devise solutions, and enhance cooperation within the Western Hemisphere.

Friday, 10 November

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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