Afterword Influencing Havana: Is It Possible?

Abstract

The chapters in this volume present a comprehensive understanding of U.S.-Cuban relations and their influencing factors. Fierce and uncompromising debate has long been a characteristic of U.S.-Cuban policy. By now, however, it should be clear the inability to influence significant reform by either of the polar opposites of the debate—those who support isolation and sanctions on Cuba and the Obama concept of an opening without concessions from Cuba—should cause all parties to step back from strong advocacy to a period of greater analysis and reflection. That reflection should start with causes of Cuban resistance: the barriers to change....