Reality Check: The Impact of US Engagement and Human Rights in Cuba

Event Material

Transcript

Event Summary

AEI hosted Cuban political activist Antonio Rodiles to discuss his ground-level understanding of current conditions in Cuba and the impact of US policy on the island.

In a discussion with AEI’s Roger F. Noriega, Mr. Rodiles stressed the regime’s expansive power and how, contrary to perception, there was very little intent to reform. The discussants noted the Castro regime’s dynastic characteristics, exemplified by the government taking steps to bring in a new generation to ensure the regime maintains power in the future. Given this, Mr. Rodiles argued that it was crucial that the opening provided by President Obama’s engagement truly create space for the Cuban people, as opposed to simply allowing the regime to consolidate control through expanding government-controlled nongovernmental organizations and businesses.

The audience Q&A session covered a range of issues, including the importance of the US and its allies engaging more deeply with the opposition and the impact of developments in other Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Venezuela.

As Mr. Rodiles noted, Cuba remains under a totalitarian regime. This discussion highlighted the importance of supporters of democracy staying connected with Cuba to ensure that engagement truly benefits the Cuban people and not just their rulers.
–Sahana Kumar

Event Description

Many Cubans and Americans alike welcomed the promise that the Obama administration’s outreach to the Castro regime would create political space for the Cuban people. Tragically, two months after President Obama’s visit there, the Cuban regime continues to arbitrarily imprison dissidents, violently suppress peaceful protests, and systematically deprive Cubans of their most basic rights.

AEI welcomes Antonio Rodiles, one of Cuba’s most prominent pro-democracy voices and a leading figure within the country’s opposition movement, to offer an on-the-ground perspective of current conditions on the island and to share his thoughts on whether to expect any liberalization out of Havana and how US policy could best help the Cuban people.

Join the conversation on social media with #RodilesatAEI.