The Slow but Steady Diplomatic Thaw

Benji Newman

On April 14th, President Barack Obama announced that he was going to take Cuba off the list of nations who sponsor terrorism. This is one step in a long process that will lead to a full and prosperous relationship between the island nation and the United States. This process will be slow going. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, East Germany was brought back into the fold of the West after only six months, and people were allowed to visit the communist country immediately. The speed of the reunification may have made many Americans think that a similarly quick process would occur with Cuba. However, the political reality of this situation is quite different from that of the countries that were formerly of the Soviet Union or its satellite states. 

Cuba will not be removed from the list until after a 45-day review period, but if this decision is approved, then the country will be removed from the list after being added more than 30 years ago. This will open the way for banks and investors to start bringing money to the economy, which is desperately in need of investment. Being on the list made it too risky for banks to do business with Cubans out of fear of violating sanctions. 

This ability to receive investment from businesses not just in the United States, but around the world should help Cuba modernize. Travelers may see this as a double-edged sword ,though. Part of the charm of going to the region is that it is like going back in time. Doing business with the West and opening ties means that Cuba will probably import franchises like McDonald’s and KFC alongside new cars.  

This should be seen mostly as a positive step. While it still will take months before you can fly from New York, Chicago, or L.A. to Havana directly on a major airline, the process looks like it is gathering momentum. Investment money should mean a revitalization of infrastructure for the island, which will help hotels and other tourist businesses develop. Seaports and airports will be able to grow to accommodate more vitally needed materials.

Going to the world-renowned beaches of Havana will soon be a reality, and hopefully the influx of money will not disrupt the fantasized version of the country. However, it is important to note that this money will help the people who are desperately in need. Reestablishing diplomatic ties is first and foremost about aiding a nation of people who have been under political and economic pressures for the last 50 years. Tourism is simply a way to ensure as much money as possible is being injected into the country’s economy.

Born and raised in the melting pot that is New York City, Benji Newman has always enjoyed being immersed in different cultures. He has studied, worked, and traveled all over Europe and hopes to visit South America in the near future. Graduating from the University of Michigan this spring, he will continue his studies in the fall by attending a Master's of International Economics and Affairs program.

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