The political-economy of Cuba today

Reflections on the analysis of LeoGrande

Businesses with emerging private initiatives are looking at ways to enhance food production through environmentally friendly agriculture. Source: CGTN (China Global Television Network)

     An article by William M. LeoGrande, “Cuba’s Deepening Economic Crisis Is Putting Diaz-Canel in a Bind,” was published in World Politics Review on January 26, 2023.  My commentary today reflects on LeoGrande’s analysis.  LeoGrande is Professor of Government at the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington.

     The article correctly observes that Cuba is currently experiencing serious economic difficulties, which are primarily a consequence of the intensification of the U.S. blockade under Trump, essentially preserved by Biden; and by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which virtually shut down the tourist industry, the largest sector of the Cuban economy.  The result, LeoGrande reports, has been a 45% reduction in Cuba’s foreign exchange earnings, such that imports were…