Cuba in an Era of Change, Elaine Díaz

Elaine Díaz is a Cuban blogger, journalist and former professor at the University of Havana where she teached courses focusing on digital journalism, communication, technology and society, 

 

Cuba in an era of change

 

The U.S. and Cuba formally ended more than a half-century of estrangement, formally re-establishing relations severed at the height of the Cold War. But the symbolism of an embassy ceremony could not conceal deep, lingering conflicts between the nations. In the past months, Presidents Obama and Castro announced the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, freed political prisoners and sat together at the Summit of the Americas opening a new era for opportunities for travel and trade. Although we can expect tough negotiations on human rights, the Guantánamo base and the lift of the embargo, some signs of collaboration are emerging in areas as health care, natural disasters prevention and drug control. But, what does this thaw mean for the Cuban people living in the island? How would it impact the almost 2 million Cuban currently living in the US? What would an opening to Cuba mean to the U.S. economy and what travelers from the U.S. could expect from the island? And, how the change of policy is improving the U.S standing in Latin America?

For more information contact the Student Life Multiciltural Center or Indra Leyva at leyva-santiago.1@osu.edu