Professor Anthony only

Cuba is a small country that resides in Caribbean waters just south of Florida. The country has a policy that is not like any other country, it is a definitely a foreign policy of its own. In 1961 Cuba’s relations with the United States were deteriorated to nothing, in fact Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States at the time, closed the american embassy in Havana (Cuba’s capital) which then severed its diplomatic relations. This all stemmed from Fidel Castros (Cuba’s Prime Minister / President) government which was too “Anti-American” to be trusted. In the early 60’s Castro was working with the Soviet Union in which the United States responded to by training Cuban exiles to over throw there own government. Eventually the United States (Now under John F. Kennedy) released the Cuban exile force but Castro’s men caught or killed them. This event in History is referred to as The Bay of Pigs.

Being that the United States had exiled Cuba and were not trading with them Cuba became fairly poor, Under the reign of a man who was simply put, stubborn. Jumping ahead to 2015, due to no trade agreement, Cuba’s has become one of the most interesting / beautiful cities in the world. Visiting Cuba is like going through a time machine, all you see is these big beautiful 50’s american classic cars. Since they couldn’t import and new american cars and buying new foreign cars is too expensive for a poor country, they stuck with what they had and kept these cars running for another 60 years!

Module 2: In depth history of Cuba – Cold War – Bay of Pigs

Throughout the 50’s and 60’s the USA purchased sugar and some other crops from Cuba and made up for 80% of their exporting. It was great for both sides and at the time the president of Cuba, Fulgencio Batista, was an ally to the USA. He was also against communism. Fidel Castro then overthrew Mr. Batista on January 1st 1959 and had complete opposite plan for Cuba. Castro disapproved of the way the US had conducted their business and interests in Cuba. As soon as he took control he began reducing American influence. Cuba then signed Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, under that agreement the USSR had to agree to buy all the sugar the US would now stop buying. Throughout this process in a matter of 3 short years Cubas foreign policy did a complete 180 degree turn. Allies turned into enemies and vice versa.

The states did not like where Cuba was heading and prepped a group of cuban exiles to overthrow Castro and his regime. This altercation led to The Bay of Pigs.

The Cuban exiles launched there attack on April 17th 1961 at the souther shore of Cuba named the Bay of Pigs. 1200 men on a mission to stop Castro at all costs hit the beach. Fortunately for Castro there plan back fired because they were completely outnumbered and had to surrender wishing 24 hours of launching the attack.

Cubas foreign policy led by Castro put a giant target on his back, but everyone knew that no one wanted to be the first to pull the trigger to start WWIII and that after a failed attempt to attack Castro the ice was very thin. Cuba then allowed the USSR to take advantage of them being only 90 miles away from the states by prepping and setting nuclear missiles directed towards them in 1962.

Module 3

While Cuba’s current relationship with the United States is something that both have not seen in a long time, things may change soon. Many were surprised when Cuba and the United States agreeing on terms to lift the travel ban. With the 2016 election around the corner, different presidential candidates have different views on the situation. This could change the future for Cuba. Presidential candidate Marco Rubio has especially strong views on Cuba’s foreign policy.

Cuba currently gains nearly 200 million dollars in rent a year from Russia (Camia, 2014). They gain this money for having a Soviet-era spy base in Lourdes, Cuba which is just south of Havana. It opened in 1967 and it was the largest foreign base and only 155 miles from the United States border. At the base, they employed 3,000 militarily and intelligence personnel to handle the radio communications. The amount of money in rent given, was in response to United states demands (Luhn, 2014).

Cubans foreign policy leaves relationships open for not only Russia but other countries that would like to get closer to the United States to gain intelligence. Cuba’s relationship with Russia or either of these countries is great for Cuba because of the rent that they are receiving. It stimulates the economy but, it is not providing jobs. In the near future I see Cuba struggling to maintain a direct foreign policy due to current events. Currently, Obama has approved the first United States factory in Cuba. This would be providing jobs and money to Cuba’s economy. But this deal can be pulled from the table depending on who is elected in the 2016 presidential candidate election (Weissenstein, 2016). Cuba will ultimately have to decide whether they want to stick to their currently foreign policy. Or, allow Russia and other countries capitalize their location and pay rent. Or, cut them off and work with the United States who are looking to build more factories and provide jobs for citizens and also tourism.

Module 4: Security

Cuba did not face any recent threats for the most part up until 2015. Russia started getting involved in the Syrian war and being that Cuba and Russia are more than just allies; Cuba had to jump in head first. Russia has been training Cuban soldiers since the 1960’s and providing them with a plethora of guns and other weapons. Being that they are being trained by Russians, Cuban soldiers are being sent over to help them in the war. This causes a great threat on Cuba’s National security. The Cubans were not meant or needed to be part of this war, but are just helping out a country that they have a good relationship with. This puts their security at a threat because now Cuba has negative relationships with half of Syria.

The United States are also playing a key role in this due to them calling for the ouster if dictator Assad. But on the flip side Russia is trying to help Assad in attempts to maintain his power. This puts Cuba in a tough spot because they are also trying to mend a relationship with the United States.

According to www.GlobalFirePower.com the United States has the first ranked military strength where as Russia has the second rank. Cuba Falls to the 110th ranking. So Cuba trying to work out an allegiance the the US and already being allies with Russia can also be viewed as a positive in the sense that whatever they choose would be a great option. Unfortunately for Cuba they cannot choose both since both Russia and United states have two radically different opinions on most global issues.

Even though retaliation from participation in the Syrian war is Cuba’s biggest current security threat, it is minuscule on the scale of who else in involved and the consequences of attacking Cuba.