Executive Summary
Cuba is currently under an oil blockade imposed by the Donald Trump administration, furthering a U.S. blockade enforced since 1959. The fall of the Soviet Union significantly impacted Cuba's GDP, and the situation has been exacerbated by America's actions, including the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which cut off Cuba's main source of oil. Despite the Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, loosening restrictions on private ownership, the island faces collapsing agriculture, infrastructure, and a severe energy crisis. This has led to a significant exodus of the population and a decline in living standards, with infant mortality doubling and the currency plummeting. While Barack Obama sought to improve relations, Trump's policies and Marco Rubio's influence have maintained a hardline stance, potentially driven by personal and political interests, drawing criticism from international bodies and U.S. lawmakers like Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson.
- US policies are exacerbating Cuba's economic crisis, leading to political instability and humanitarian concerns.
What Is Driving The Story?
- US sanctions and embargo.
- Loss of Soviet support.
- Internal economic challenges.