Latin America and European ‘soft power’ geopolitics

In the European Union’s list of political priorities, Latin America probably ranks number six, coming after the EU itself, the United States, Russia, the Middle East and booming Asia. Furthermore, the EU and some of its larger Member States have not played an entirely positive role in the region, instead seemingly continuing to view it as the prize in a low-intensity geopolitical game with the United States. Underlying this outlook is a belief that Latin America is genuinely a victim of its powerful northern neighbour, a belief that is probably a reflection of guilt and paternalism from Europe’s own colonial history.

The Role of Microloans in the Cuban Economy, Today and in the Future

Microloans are an economic mechanism widely used throughout the world. In Cuba it could be a balancing tool for the current and future needs of Cubans. Obviously there are difficulties for their efficient operation, and there will be different criteria with regards to their role in Cuba, but just giving them some consideration could be a smart move from the complaint to the solution.

Why women now lead the dissident fight in Cuba

Only a handful of political activists are willing to risk fighting for basic freedoms. But more ordinary Cubans, they say, are asking how to get involved.

Fidel: I don't like recent reforms

Not even two months into his brother Raúl Castro's reign in Cuba, Fidel Castro has openly expressed displeasure with supporters of economic and societal reforms. Fidel Castro formally gave up power Feb. 24 after more than a year and a half in his sick bed, but continues to write newspaper editorials. His latest missive is a direct attack on a column published in one of Cuba's state run newspapers, which suggested that the lastest series of reforms launched by Raúl Castro are a step toward progress.

Cuban demand: Power to the peso!

President Raul Castro has lifted restrictions on consumer goods and hotel stays, but most Cubans get paid in virtually worthless pesos, which can't buy basic items like toilet paper, let alone a DVD player or poolside mojito cocktails at the Hotel Capri.

Cubans can stay at hotels, but rates will deter most

Cuban leader Raúl Castro will allow Cubans to stay at island hotels, but few can afford them.
With the end of a government ban that was in place for at least 15 years, Cubans can now stay at island hotels, a largely symbolic move in a country where a nice hotel room can cost about $200 a night -- the average annual salary for a state job.

The word on the street: Cubans ready for change

HAVANA - On a crisp and clear day, with a light breeze coming off Havana's famed seaside Malecón drive, a lot of Cubans were still talking Wednesday, quietly but forcefully, about Fidel Castro's decision to retire.

Over and over, they talked about change.

Cuba is ready

If there was such a thing as “readiness” for a successful transition from communist rule, Cuba would be an almost-model case. Judging by the 28 post-communist countries (which, because of their wide diversity, can indeed be compared to Cuba) and how they’ve fared, we can draw an optimistic scenario.

The idiot is back

The authors of the Manual of the Perfect Latin American Idiot have released a new book where they criticize the return of left-wing populism in Latin America.

We Cubans