The US versus Cuba Relations - Case Study Example

US versus Cuba Relations Affiliation Can the expected new US diplomatic relations bring the much awaited economic prosperity within Latin America region? Pros There will be better economic opportunities for both countries. Peace and political goodwill will be enhanced for the betterment of both countries in future and in case of emergency. Scapegoat of repressive regimes will be an issue of the past Infrastructure development particularly in Cuba Improved standards of living particularly for Cuban residents Cons Political and social instability from members of the society who believes the move is not right for the country. The process will see the states incur some costs in terms of capital resource There might be degradation of the environment owing to over production. Having listed Cuba among terrorist financier, there might be a possibility of security proving to be a challenge. The need for Cuba to do major reforms which might not come easy owing to the already established culture. Normalizations of relations between United States and Cuba will give way to massive economic developments. Trade restrictions that have existed for almost five decades have hindered economic development between these two states (BBC News). US, through the previous regimes had put embargo on Cuba which saw few if any trade activities takes place. Agriculture producers across the country and particularly in Lowa stand to benefits if steps to normalize the relations between these two countries yield fruits. Poultry farming, soybeans and corns business will prosper with the new opened markets. Eventually, this move will improve trade and subsequent economic growth. Trade sanctions imposed by US have restricted the exports of agricultural products since 2001 (Trento pp 1). Ken Hartman, the president of Illinois corn growers welcomed the move of normalizing trade relations between the two countries. “This is very good news for Illinois soybeans farmers and businesses that use beans produced in these areas,” Growers chairman, Bill Raben. The rice farmers expressed similar sentiments of possibility of new trading partner. Elton Kennedy, one of the leaders of the largest rice farm, Morehouse hopes the congress makes speedy decisions in removing the embargo. Louisiana which ships food products to Cuba could reap enormous benefits if the move was affected. The owners of Caterpillar Inc expressed similar sentiments over the proposed move by Obama administration (BBC News). Peace and political goodwill will be revived. In case of emergencies, the two countries can rely on each other. This is especially the case for global problems as such terrorism, extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes among many other issues. In the past, US had regarded badly Cuba listing it among the terrorist financiers. The relation was strained and it seemed like the spirit of neighborhood was gone forever. With the historic move to restore good relations, there will be peace and political good will that will manifest in many forms such as assistance on issues of global warming, terrorism and security. In his speech, Obama did not fail to recognize that the restrictions given by US to Cuba were only effected by US. Other states in Latin America had a different opinion on the matter and in most of the cases they had calling upon America to let in Cuba in their summit meetings. In some sense, America appeared repressive and this could have passed as a good excuse to those regimes that are using repressive system hindering economic development and human rights (BBC News). After the announcement about the move to normalize the relations, one of the government officials said that US government have always been blamed for not allowing Cuba and its resident’s particulate in summits, gathering and other events. With that no longer a problem, the government argued the Latin Americans to move on to real issues such as education, security and trade and make the region competitive. No any country will have a repressive system in guise that America is still doing with that with her immediate neighbor. Improved infrastructure in Cuba that will enhance trade: to pave way for increased trade, Cuba will strive to improve on the infrastructures such as factories, industries and roads. Infrastructure development would be overall benefits for all. Obama noted that the ports in Cuba holds so much potential and highly regard them as a phenomenal business hub (Bakewell pp 101). In his speech, if there is a possibility of singing the final deal, such ports would hold much importance to the US government. Better economic conditions and hence high standards of living for the residents of Cuba: the new markets will create employment and increase money circulation within the region. Most of the Cuban residents will secure employment with the new industries and subsequently, the standard of living is expected to increase. With lifted ban on trade with US companies, there will be a variety of goods and services in the market for the residents. Cons The president move to normalize relations with Cuba could bring social and political instability between the two states. After Obama announced the intentions of his government to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, some of citizens were seen protesting, carrying placards labeling Obama as colluding with terrorist. The anti-Obama campaign to those who do not want the relations normalized might rock the country and cause instability. The same case may happen in Cuba. There are citizens and even government officials who may hold different opinion on the issue and may try to water down these efforts. Security can also be a challenge. Cuba has always been listed by US as terrorist financier (Bakewell pp 105). To some degree, the security in Cuba cannot be a hundred percent. There might be lapses in the system. Additionally, having been listed as a terrorist financier, there might be that possibility of terrorism disguised by government activities. Such a possibility would prove costly for the US and Cuba as well. The promising economic opportunities of opening up a new market in Cuba will come with its costs, too. These costs a rather disguised and it appears like trade will flourish and everything runs as normal. These costs will take the form of money, degradation of natural resources due to over production and cost of infrastructure development. The fact is, the process of normalizing the trade will take some dollars away from the taxpayers’ pocket. A new office has to be set in Havana and a couple of things need to be put in place to ensure things start and continue to run smoothly. There will be a need to develop new infrastructures between the two countries to enhance trade. The costs of logistics and implementation will lie squarely on the taxpayer. Until when the investment start streaming revenue to the government, it will be a burden to the taxpayer. Certainly, the prospects of a new market will push the trading partners to maximize their productions. In the case of natural resources such as water, soils and forests, it is expected that they will be stretched and possibly lead to environmental degradation. For instance, the rise growers Morehouse are eying the opportunity of opening new markets in Cuba same to Soya bean farmers. In one way or the other, they will have to step up the productions to meet the new demands. The case will be the same even in other areas economic sectors. Despite the negative note, however, with sound environmental management practices in place, these natural resources costs can be avoided or minimized (abc News). For the Cuban government, there might be a need to reform the government structures to accommodate changes such as political freedom, human rights and freedom of speech. America would not be willing to work with an oppressive government. The change may not come easy as most of the time is deeply rooted in cultures of the people particularly those in leadership. Change of government structure may lead to instability in the government and derail economic goals. In the end, the two countries would fail to realize gainful benefits. Conclusion The historic move by Obama administration to normalize relations with Cuba will come a long way in improving trade, economic prosperity and peaceful coexistence amongst the Latin America. The ageing trade restrictions have been denying both America and Cuba economic benefits for almost five decades. Cuba and U.S had gone through a frosty relation to the extent of banning air travels to Cuba and money remittance (Bakewell pp 103). Some of the world finest artist have also been denied chance to participate in events such as Grammy awards. Everyone seems to be optimistic about the new move. Certainly, there is much for the two countries to reap. Notwithstanding, there is also going to be repercussions if the move is finalized. For instance, there will be costs associated with the plans which might costs taxpayers’ money. The natural resources too, might get overstretched to meet new demands in the market. Cuba might also consider change in government structure. Works Cited abc News. "Obama Administration Continues to Loosen the Rules Regarding Cuba." abc News 11 January 2011. Bakewell, Peter. A History of Latin America. New York: Blackwell publishers, 2008. BBC News. "Obama eases curbs on Cuba travel ." BBC News 13 April 2009: 4. —. "Obama offers Cuba new beginning." BBC News 18 April 2009: 1. Fletcher, Pascal. " "Obama shakes hand of Cubas Raul Castro at Mandela memorial." Reuter 10 December 2013: 4. Matthew, Lee and Julie Pace. "U.S., Cuba restore relations in historic shift." CTV News 14 December 2014: 2. Tamari, Jonathan. Menendez blasts Obama on Cuba. 17 December 2014. 15 April 2015 . The Daily Beast. "The Popes Diplomatic Miracle: Ending the U.S.-Cuba Cold War." The Daily Beast 17 December 2014: 4. Thomas., Hugh. "The pursuit for freedom." Cuba (2007): 100-145. Trento, Angelo. Castro and Cuba : From the revolution to the present. Havana: Arris Publsihers, 2005. Read More