Cuba At A Crossroads: Why U.S. Policy Still Matters
Wed, Jul 30
|Zoom
As Cuba faces economic stagnation and a leadership vacuum, the Trump Administration plans to reinforce sanctions. Join the World Affairs Council of Atlanta for a free, public webinar with former diplomats. Advanced registration is required.
Time & Location
Jul 30, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
Zoom
About the event
The Cuban Revolution has reached a critical juncture. Despite decades of U.S. economic sanctions, Cuba maintains trade relations with nearly every other country, highlighting the limited global reach of the embargo. However, the Cuban government remains entrenched in an outdated and inefficient economic model that continues to stifle growth and innovation.
The Trump Administration believes that previous efforts at normalization empowered the regime’s military and intelligence sectors while doing little to improve the lives of ordinary Cubans. President Trump’s renewed policy—outlined in the June 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum—reinstates strict limits on U.S. tourism and financial transactions that benefit the Cuban government, while promoting support for civil society, internet access, and private enterprise.
With Fidel Castro deceased and Raúl Castro now 94, the nation faces a looming leadership transition. Most concerning for long-term stability is the accelerating exodus of young, educated Cubans—particularly university graduates—who are leaving in record numbers. This brain drain not only undermines…