Quan hệ mỹ cuba (1991 2016) tt tiếng anh

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
VINH UNIVERSITY

LE MINH GIANG

USA - CUBA RELATIONS
(1991 - 2016)

THESIS SUMMARY

NGHE AN - 2020


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THE DISSERTATION WAS COMPLETED
AT VINH UNIVERSITY

Supervisors:

1. Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN CONG KHANH
2. Prof. HOANG KHAC NAM

Reviewer 1:
Reviewer 2:
Reviewer 3:

The dissertation will be protected before the doctoral dissertation evaluation board
at Vinh University
At............on..............................,.............

The dissertation can be found at:

- National Library of Vietnam;
- Nguyen Thuc Hao Information Centre & Library, Vinh University.


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INTRODUCTION
1. Rationale
1.1. In the history of modern international relations, there is rarely a
complicated and tense bilateral relationship as the one between the US and Cuba.
Both countries are located in the America and geograpcially close to each other (150
km), but their relationship has been frozen for more than half a century (1961 - 2015).
After the Cold War, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United
States continued to strengthen the embargo toward Cuba with the Cuban Democratic
Acts (1992) and the Helms-Burton Act (1996), in which the condition for the
abolition of embargo was that Cuba must hold free, fair and forward elections to a
democratic government. Turning to the twenty-first century, the reality proves that
the US policies of hostility, aggression, embargo and isolation against Cuba have
ceased to take effect, and in fact those policies of the US have caused many losses,
difficulties for Cuba for decades. Both subjective factors (US, Cuba) and objective
factors have led to policy changes between the two countries towards each other. This
has been evident since Barack Obama became President of the United States in early
2009 and the fact that Fidel Castro has officially handed over the position of
President of Cuba to the First Vice President and his younger brother Raúl Castro in
2008.On December 17, 2014, US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro
announced the restoration of US-Cuba relations after more than 5 decades of
hostility. From that time, Cuba and the US officially began the process of
normalizing relations. On April 11, 2015, President B. Obama and President R.
Castro shook hands at the American Summit in Panama, marking the first meeting of
the leaders of the two countries since their isolations in 1961. The normalization of
diplomatic relations with Cuba on July 20, 2015 is part of B. Obama's main policy,

ending a decades-long approach to US-Cuba relation foreign policy. This is a historic
decision, opening a new step of development of US-Cuba relations. The
normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba has greatly affected
Latin American countries and the world, creating opportunities and prospects for
cooperation between the US and Cuba in the 21st century.
1.2. There have been many domestic and foreign scholars studying US and
Cuban relations. However, in Vietnam, this US- Cuban relationship on two important


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aspects of economy and politics after the Cold War has not been given due attention.
US-Cuba relations after the Cold War still have many scientific issues that need to be
studied in a more comprehensive way. There is a need for the study related to the
influential factors, achievements, limitations, characteristics and multidimensional
impacts of this relationship.
1.3. It is crucial to study the bilateral relationship between the United States
and Cuba on all aspects, especially politics - diplomacy and economics from 1991 to
2016 because it brings about both scientific and practical significance.
In terms of scientific significance, studying US-Cuba relations since the Cold
War, improves the understanding of the factors, origin, process of making policies
and implementing US policies towards Cuba. At the same time, we can see the
picture of relations between the two countries in key areas and highlight the
characteristics of US-Cuba relations during 1991-2016.
From a practical perspective, the study of the US-Cuba bilateral relationship
contributes to the development of relations with both countries (USA, Cuba) and
provides useful references for researchers as well as educators and learners about
modern world history and international relations.
Stemming from the above reasons, studying "US - Cuba relations (1991 2016)" was chosen as our doctoral research.
2. Research aim and objectives
2.1. Aim: The thesis aims to clarify the movement and developmennt of USCuba relations from 1991 to 2016 and explains why there is such a change.

2.2. Objectives
- Analyze the literature review relating to US-Cuba relations in the world and
in Vietnam, and then identify the advantages and limitations of the researched works.
The study then filled the gaps by providing the novelty in the research field.
- Clarify different factors affecting the US-Cuba relationship from the Cold War until
2016. Moreover, it focused on the analysis of the current state of US-Cuba relations
from 1991 to 2016 on 2 fields: politics - diplomacy and economics.
- Assess US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 to highlight achievements and
shortcomings; characteristics and impacts of this relationship on each country, on the
region and on the world.


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3. The subjects and scope of the study
3.1. Subjects: The research object of the thesis is US-Cuba relations in the
period from 1991 to 2016. The topic focused on studying US and Cuban relations
since the end of the Cold War (1991) until the end of presidential term of US
President B. Obama (2016).
3.2. Scope
The topic focused on studying US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016) in terms of
two main aspects: politics - diplomacy and economics. Regarding politicaldiplomatic field, it aimed at clarifying diplomatic meetings, agreements and
disagreements between the US and Cuba, especially the process of normalizing such
relations. With regards to the content of economic relations, the study focused on
successes and limitations in trade and investment relations between the US and Cuba.
The content of culture and society is only mentioned scattered in the thesis as a
catalyst for the normalization of relations.
The historical time that the thesis subjected to is from 1991 to 2016. The 1991
landmark was the end of the Cold War, marking a fundamental change in the world
situation and international relations. More specifically, there was a shift in the
strategic awareness of the US and Cuba. The 2016 milestone is the year that

essentially ends the second term of President B. Obama, leading to major changes in
US-Cuba relations.
The thesis studied US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016) in two stages: the period of
1991 - 2008 and the period of 2009 - 2016. The reason for this divergence is that in
the 1991-2008 period, although the relationship The United States and Cuba continue
to be tense, there have been certain signs of change in the policies of the two
countries. In the 2009 – 2016 period, US policy towards Cuba has changed
dramatically since B. Obama became US President (early 2009) and Fidel Castro
officially transferred the position of Cuban leader for his younger brother Raúl Castro
(2008).
4. Theoretical framework and research methods
4.1. Theoretical framework: The research was carried out based on an thorough
understanding of dialectical materialism and historical materialism of Marxism Leninism, Ho Chi Minh thought and the Vietnamese Communist Party’s views on
International relations.


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4.2. Research methods: The main approach of the topic stems from two
perspectives: the policies of the two countries' leaders towards partners and the
reaction of each side before changing their policies from the other side. The study
was analyzed through different levels: individual, national, regional and international.
The main research method used in the thesis is the historical method, the
logical method, objectively and scientifically reproducing the US-Cuba relations
from the end of the Cold War to 2016, drawing out the nature of such relationship.
The US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016, is an interdisciplinary research topic, both
for Modern World History and international relations. Therefore, the author has
combined the use of research methods of social sciences and humanities (synthesis,
analysis, comparison, statistics ...) and research methods in international relations, in
order to solve problems
5. Referential materials

The thesis consulted many original documents relating to the US Government
and the Government of Cuba on foreign affairs in general and in the US relations
with Cuba in particular, which were officially published. Bilateral cooperation
agreements between the two countries and joint statements, joint announcements
between the US and Cuba; reports, statements, and statements of US and Cuban
leaders in the media, portals of the governments of the two countries were all taken in
account.
The study also referred to other referential materials, such as monographs,
doctoral theses, related to US-Cuba relations have been published at home and
abroad; Articles published in many scientific journals: International Studies,
Communism, Historical Studies, Social Studies, Americas today, Documents for
research of the Institute of Social Sciences Information and Information, of TTX
Vietnam.
6. Contribution of the thesis
- Point out the dominant factors and impacts on US-Cuba relations for 25 years
in two periods (1991 - 2008) and (2009 - 2016).
- Describe the entire US-Cuba relationship in two main areas: Politics diplomacy and economics and then assess achievements, limitations, characteristics
and impacts of US-Cuba relations between 1991-2016.


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- This is the first scientific research project in Vietnam meticulously and
seriously studying US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016); It is a useful reference for
researchers, teachers and learners about modern world history and international
relations.
7. Structure of the thesis:
In addition to the introduction, conclusions, references, the thesis is presented
in 4 chapters:
Chapter 1. Literature review
Chapter 2. US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008.

Chapter 3. US-Cuba relations from 2009 to 2016.
Chapter 4. Discussion on US-Cuba relations (1991-2016).


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Chapter 1
LITERATURE REVIEW

The fluctuating formation of the US-Cuba relationship has attracted the
research interest of many domestic and international scholars. So far, there have been
many articles and works referring to US-Cuba relations after 1991, it can be
systematically divided into 2 groups:
- studies on international relations, history and foreign policy of the US and
Cuba, indirectly exploited US-Cuba relations.
- Direct studies on US-Cuba relations
1.1. Rlated studies in Vietnam
1.1.1. Studies on foreign policy of the US and Cuba related to US-Cuba
relations
The studies on international relations, history and foreign policy of the US,
Cuba are the first important basis for us to analyze the impact of factors on US-Cuba
relations in Post-Cold War context:
The first group relating to works that have mentioned the foreign policy, the
views of the US government through the presidents, while also highlighting the
trends in foreign policy of the United States after the Cold War.
The second group is the literature review on Cuba and its foreign policy in
history.
1.1.2. Studies directly on US-Cuba relations
In Vietnam, there is no monograph before this thesis studying the system of
US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016. Most studies relating to the relationship
between The US - Cuba were reflected in a number of articles in specialized

scientific journals. The researches on the history of relations between the United
States and Cuba in particular and related issues in general are quite variuos. However,
the in-depth study of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 was still modest.
1.2. Related studies in the world
1.2.1. Studies on the history and foreign policy of the US and Cuba relating to
US-Cuba relations
-Common issues: Many centers, research institutes and universities have done


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many works related to US foreign policy. A number of in-depth writings, the study of
the doctrines, the ideological movement that shaped the advent of policies, are
theoretical tools to explain and support the US foreign policy.
Studies on Cuba: There are works that provide the basis, the content of foreign
policy of the United States as well as Cuba and the logical interpretation of the
impact factors, diplomatic events that took place in the US and Cuba's histories,
especially after the Cold War.
1.2.2. Direct studies of US-Cuba relations
US-Cuba relations after the Cold War have been mentioned through many
studies on the political - diplomatic and economic aspects by many authors from the
US, UK, Italy and Portugal. Basically, the overseas research that the author
mentioned above provided relatively detailed information on the areas of cooperation
between the US and Cuba since the end of the Cold War, and also appreciated the
role of the United States and Cuba in the process of economic and social
development of the two countries. Thereby they also pointedout the challenges and
prospects in US-Cuba relations between the two countries in the economic, political
and social context of the US, Cuba, Latin America and the world after the Cold War,
especially since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations in the twenty-first
century.
1.3. Discussion on the research situation and tasks set out for the thesis

1.3.1. Studied issues
Firstly, there are many works mentioning the important factors affecting the
US-Cuba relationship from the Cold War until 2016 such as: History, US and Cuban
foreign policy. Works which were directly related to US-Cuba bilateral relations are
mainly carried out after the Cold War and have been studied quite a lot in the early
years of the 21st century, especially in the US and some European countries.
The common point of the above documents is that the US-Cuba relationship is
complex, hostile, challenging and limited. The overarching content of relations
between the two countries after the Cold War is political - diplomatic and economic,
while other areas are less mentioned.
Secondly, the above documents mentioned the history of US-Cuba relations in
the fields of politics - diplomacy, economy, culture - society ... That is a necessary
source for the author to study, explore and evaluate the relations between the two


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countries. However, in the period 1991 - 2016, there was no comprehensive,
systematic and intensive research on US-Cuba relations, as well as the characteristics
and impacts of US-Cuba relations with these two entities and for Latin America and
the world. Most of the articles are in service of congressional reports, published in
magazines ... Moreover, most of the views are made from the American point of
views for the sake of American benefits. Meanwhile, the US-Cuban relationship
research documents were not approached by the authors for many reasons.
Through the above mentioned-documents, the thesis has synthesized the findings on
US-Cuba relations. The US-Cuba relationship is the most complicated, hostile,
unpredictable in the fields of politics - diplomacy and economics.
1.3.2. The gap between related studies
On the basis of the previous research findings, the author has coded events, processes
and analyzed data around the issue of US Relations - Cuba from 1991 to 2016. From
that, the thesis draws remarks on achievements, limitations, properties, characteristics

and prospects of bilateral relations, analysis of impacts on the two countries as well
as other countries in Latin America and around the world.
Firstly, figuring out the factors affecting the US-Cuban relations include: historical
factors, international factors, regional factors, factors from the US and Cuba.
Second, systematizing US-Cuba relations in the fields of politics - diplomacy,
economy and culture - society. Regarding politics - diplomacy, the thesis clarifies the
process of complicated and hostile relationship between the two countries to the
normalization of US-Cuba relations. In the economic field, the focus is on bilateral
relations on trade, investment, tourism and agriculture, and the constraints on this
relationship are clearly defined.
Thirdly, discussing US-Cuba relations in the 1991-2016 period. It highlights the
achievements and limitations of the relationship; characteristics and impacts of this
relationship on each country, on Latin America and on the world.


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Chapter 2
USA – CUBA RELATION FROM 1991 TO 2008
2.1. Influential factors on US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008
In this section, the thesis presents some influential factors on US-Cuba relations
from 1991 to 2008.
2.1.1. Overview of US-Cuba relations before 1991 (historical factor)
USA and Cuba are two neighboring countries. For the United States, Cuba has a
very important strategic position, both politically and economically. Therefore,
historically, since the nineteenth century, American leaders have always wanted to bring
Cuba into the sphere of influence in their ambition to expand their territory. After the
American - Spanish War (1898), Cuba was occupied by the United States. On 20/20/1902,
the US officially left the island but still controlled Cuba to different degrees. After having
received
the independence in 1902, the political system in Cuba (including the U.S.supported dictatorships Machado and Batista) was unstable. Through the Platt Clause, the

United States had occupied Cuba three times in the years 1906 - 1909, 1912 and 1917.
Since F. Roosevelt took power in 1933, with the "Friendly Neighbors" policy, the Platt
Treaty has been rejected. This ended the United States' hegemony over Cuba in theory,
but in reality the US influence was still strong. The United States retains political control
over Cuba. The Cuban 1953-1958 revolution won, overthrowing the pro-American
government F. Batista and transforming the US-Cuba relationship to a different level.
Fidel Castro took power after the Cuban revolution of 1959 and was supported by
the United States by implementing an arms embargo against the F. Batista Government
and recognizing the newly established regime. However, when the government run by
Fidel Castro began to nationalize all assets abroad, including US businesses operating in
Cuba and establishing diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, US - Cuba relations
deteriorated. In response to Cuba's actions, the United States imposed a Cuban embargo.
For decades, the United States tried to find all means (political, military, economic,
diplomatic ...) to overthrow the Government of Fidel Castro. After that, the United States
carried out many campaigns including espionage and sabotage activities to eliminate the
socialist regime in Cuba. However, all of these efforts failed and this increased tensions
between the United States and Cuba.


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To sum up, US-Cuba relations before 1991 were complex, especially, from the
successful Cuban revolution in 1959 until the end of the Cold War in late 1991. This
bilateral relations were basically confrontational.
2.1.2. International and regional situation
After the end of the Cold War, a new world order appeared to promote cooperation
between countries and organizations around the world. The above situation has a strong
impact on the foreign policy and relations of Latin America, the US and Cuba, which has
a great impact on the relationship between the US and Cuba. Both the United States and
Cuba must strategically adjust their policies to create a stable and favorable international
and regional environment. It is a top priority for economic development of the United

States and Cuba.
2.1.3. The situation of the United States and the Cuban issue in US policy after
1991
2.1.3.1. Situations in the USA
After the Cold War, the international context after the collapse of the Soviet Union
provided the basis for US development in the 1990s, creating momentum for the country
to develop continuously from 1992 and til the beginning of 2001. The United States
asserted its political position in the international arena. In the face of international changes
in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the US has always been an
indispensable factor in each national policy making. In terms of Militarily force, the
United States maintains a powerful defense. The United States is the only country capable
of deploying global forces at the beginning of the new millennium.However, the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks dealt a devastating blow to the United States. After
this event, the administration of President GW Bush made fundamental changes in foreign
policy with a top priority for the fight against terrorism, accompanied by huge
expenditures on the defense budget, for unarmed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, increasing
the new burdens on the US economy, which has begun to show signs of recession. starting
wars on terrorism, the US Government must also make some adjustments in the general
relationship of the economy, foreign affairs and international relations.
2.1.3.2. Cuba in US policy:
Cuba is an island nation with an area of 114,500 km2. Strategically located, Cuba is
a neighboring country, about 150km from the United States. In the US view, if Latin


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America is its "back garden", then Cuba is the "platform" to step into that garden. Cuba is
seen as a gateway to the Latin American region. It is located at the points of access to the
Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic. Accordingly, the US foreign policy with Cuba from
1991 to the beginning of the 21st century has changed significantly and thus has affected
US-Cuba relations. The United States has proposed many different measures and forms,

but the common purpose is to maintain and enhance the US position, creating pressure in
many aspects to change Cuban political regime.
2.1.4. The situation of Cuba and the US issue in Cuban policy after 19912.
1.4.1. Situations in Cuba
Since 1959, Fidel Castro had been the head of the State of Cuba. In 1971, when
the Communist Party became the only official party in the country and Fidel Castro
simultaneously held the position of First Secretary. As Chairman of the State Council
and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, he was also the head of State and
Government from 1976 to February 2008. While temporarily giving up power in July
2006 for health reasons, Fidel Castro is, in fact, head of the Cuban State and
Government.The growing economic crisis caused Fidel to declare "a special period in
peacetime" (Summer 1990). The Cuban economy is trying to attract foreign
investment from Latin America, Europe and Asia. Most investments are made in the
tourism industry, with the US dollar being included in Cuba's monetary system.
Despite some prosperity with these reforms, the Cuban economy never reached the
level before 1990.It can be said that in the period of 1991-2008, the Cuban economy
developed with many difficulties. From 1994 to 2000, Cuba implemented a limited
market-oriented economic reform, with an average economic growth of 3.7% per
year. Economic growth was particularly strong in the 2004-2007 period, reaching
11% and 12% respectively in 2005 and 2006.Regarding diplomatic relations, Cuba
must open its economy and strengthen economic relations, develop important trade
and investment links with Brazil, Canada, China, Spain and Venezuela. Cuba is also
an active participant in international forums, including the UN and the UN Human
Rights Council. Since 1991, Cuba has been backed by the UN General Assembly
(passing an annual resolution criticizing the US economic embargo and urging the
United States to lift the embargo), from the UN Development Program ( UNDP) and
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
2.1.4.2. US issue in Cuba's policy

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Cuba always wished to normalize relations with the United States, provided
that the United States does not impose any conditions. The Cuban side affirmed that
despite the isolated siege of hostile forces, Cuba's position in the international arena
has been constantly strengthened with the establishment of full diplomatic relations
with over 100 countries in the world. Cuba will continue to diversify its relationships
with the only "game rule" not to accept any external pressure. As a result, Cuba
always not only wanted to have better diplomatic relations with the US but also
stayed firmly on its socialist path.
In a nutshell, the relationship between the US and Cuba from 1991 to 2008 was
influenced by many objective and subjective factors, the internal and external
conditions of each country. These factors include: World and Latin American
Context after the Cold War; US-Cuba relations before 1991; the economic, political
and political situation of each country. These factors, whether directly or indirectly,
had impacts, even regulated the direction of the development of US-Cuba relations
from 1991 to 2008.
2.2. US-Cuba relations between 1991 and 2008
2.2.1. Political - diplomatic relations
2.2.1.1 Diplomatic relations
After the end of the Cold War, in the period of 1991 - 2008, three American
presidents: GHW Bush (1989 - 1993), B. Clinton (1993 - 2001) and GW Bush (2001
- 2008) had continued US Cuban embargoes and even sctricter to overthrow the
Cuban Government led by Fidel Castro. Since the first half of the 1990s, the tension
and hostility of US-Cuban relations have been manifested in US secret activities to
overthrow the Cuban Government, promoting the 1994 migration of more 30,000
Cubans entering the US ...; Cuba provided assistance to left-side governments in
Africa and Latin America, and in particular the Cuban army shot down two US
aircrafts in 1996.
During the 1990s, the issue of promoting democracy and respect for human
rights became the factor leading to strengthening the US embargo against Cuba. The

US embargo has been strengthened when Congress passed two successive laws: the
Cuban Democratic Act (CDA), or the Torricelli Act of 1992, enacted by President G.
Bush. and the Cuba Freedom and Solidarity Act (LIBERTAD) of 1996 (or the Helms
- Burton Act), enacted by President B. Clinton.
During the presidency of President B. Clinton, interested in improving US-


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Cuba relations has increased. However, the CDA has not achieved its expected goals,
because according to the United States, Cuba has no democratic reform but only a
few specific reforms to stabilize the economy. Cuba and the United States in 1994
signed an immigration agreement whereby the two sides facilitated the "safe, legal
and orderly" movement of Cubans to the United States, leading to a crisis of
immigrants in 1994 (4/1994, 20,000 Cuban refugees came to the US). This event
changed the US foreign policy regarding refugees and resulted in an agreement
between Cuba and the US in 1995.
In 1996, the Helms - Burton Act tightened the embargo by legalizing this
policy, which forced the president to not take steps to normalize relations with
Cuba.In 1998, Pope John Paull II's visit to Cuba made him the first Vatican head to
visit the island nation. Two weeks after Pope John Paull II's visit, Cuba released 300
political prisoners. In response, the US announced it would allow direct flights from
Cuba and increase humanitarian aid to Cubans (March 1998). The US started to sell
food and medicine to Cuba under the Trade Reform Act and Export (2000).However,
US President G. W. Bush continued to take a tough stance with Cuba.
In 2003, the US government established a "Commission for a Free Cuba" in
order to find a way to promote the democratic process in Cuba.The Cuban
government asserted that the country was still in the transition to socialism, and
condemned the United States and called for help and cooperation from countries in
the Western Hemisphere as well as other countries and international organizations.
Since mid-2004, Cuba has carried out a diplomatic offensive and achieved many

important goals. The administration of President G. W. Bush continued to emphasize
sanctions-based approach to Cuba while waiting for political change in Cuba.
2.2.1.2. Political - security relations
- Media field: Marti Radio and Television is a media agency funded by the US
government to broadcast radio and television to Cuba to propagate anti-Cuban
programs, but had been blocked by Cuba by breaking waves.
- Terrorism issue: Cuba continued to be on the State's list of countries that
sponsored international terrorism, because it was believed to be helping armed groups
and terrorists in Latin America.
- Anti-drug cooperation: Cuba has taken a number of measures to deal with
drug issues, including increasing penalties for drug traffickers, strengthening the
people training against criminals and cooperating with the US and some countries on


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anti-drug efforts (1990, 2000 ...).
- Spying issues: During this period, the two sides continuously made arrests,
deportation of a number of people accused of espionage.
- Migration: In the relationship between the US and Cuba, migration is also a
matter of controversy and tension between the two countries. In September 1994,
Cuba and the US began bilateral negotiations to prevent the influx of Cubans from
escaping to the United States. The Obama administration restarted discussions in
2009 and held four rounds of negotiations until January 2011.
2.2.2. Economic relations: The implementation of the CDA (1992) and Helms
Burton (1996) laws has had great consequences for the Cuban economy, as well as
the US and its allies. These are two laws designed to put the embargo on Cuba's
economy, whereby Washington imposed sanctions on any foreign companies and
individuals that conducted trade exchanges with Cuba, or invested in this island
nation.To ease the allies’ reactions, President B. Clinton used the section III. In fact,
President B. Clinton suspended the implementation of Section III every 6 months

since the Helms - Burton Act took effect and President G. Bush has made this option
twice since his presidential duties.
Trade relations have increased significantly: US exports to Cuba have
increased from about US $ 7 million (2001) to US $ 404 million (2004) and to a high
of US $ 712 million in 2008. US Industry and agriculture had allowed the export of
medical and agricultural products to Cuba on humanitarian grounds. From 2001 to
2008, the United States exported more than US $ 2.5 billion for agricultural products
to Cuba, averaging US $ 230 million annually. Since 2002, the US has become the
largest supplier of agricultural products to Cuba, the main products included poultry,
soybean oil cake, corn and soybean. Tourism and money transfer were also brought
about benefits to US.


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Chapter 3
USA-CUBA RELATION FROM 2009 TO 2016
3.1. New factors affecting US-Cuba relations from 2009 to 2016
3.1.1. International and regional situation: In spite of some disadvantages, the
cooperation and development tendency on the basis of peace and international
cooperation is still the dominant trend in the development of the world. Neither the US
nor Cuba has been outside this active campaign. In the foreign policy making process,
the United States and Cuba must take into account these factors and their impact on
bilateral relations.
3.1.2. Barack Obama's foreign policy and the US policy change toward Cuba
In fact, the B. Obama administration's "soft power" philosophy, with one of its
core elements of the application of multilateralism, is an attempt to return to the
"expansion and involvement" strategy issued by B. Clinton in the 1990s.
The US policy at that time could be described as a policy isolating Cuba through
comprehensive economic sanctions, including trade and financial restrictions, but
supporting Cuban people through concrete measures such as funding for democracy and

human rights projects. The Cuba Solidarity and Freedom Act of 1996 (articles 104-114)
provided a number of conditions to suspend the sanctions, including the transitional
Cuban Government: excluding Fidel or R. Castro; legalized the political activities;
released all political prisoners; and made progress in establishing an independent
judiciary and respecting internationally recognized human rights. When President B.
Obama took over the country, he made foreign policy adjustments to bring the United
States to gradually restore its international status and also to respond to the changing
situation worldwide and region wide. In that context, US policy towards Cuba also had
important changes. Through specific US policies, US-Cuba relations gradually warmed
up.
3.1.3. New developments in Cuba under Raúl Castro regime
When Raúl Castro officially became the leader of Cuba in 2008, Cuba's
development continued its achievements and direction according to Fidel Castro's
time.The Sixth Party Congress (April 2011) and the Seventh Congress of the
Communist Party of Cuba (2016) approved and affirmed the updating policy of the
socio-economic development model with 313 contents, specific measures, in order to


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free production forces, create motivation to improve economic efficiency. That policy
had stimulated internal economic resources: having carried out step-by-step economic
reforms, with prudent solutions to partially open the economy; allowed private
participation in many economic areas that were formerly held by the State. Despite many
difficulties, the Cuban economy has continued to transform positively.
In foreign affairs, Cuba has used diplomatic channels to gradually break the US
siege. Raúl Castro's government has also made a shift in its perception of Cuban
relations with the United States. President Raúl Castro has begun to take steps regarding
the normalization of bilateral relations.
3.2. US-Cuba relations in the period of 2009 - 2016
3.2.1. Political - diplomatic relations

3.2.1.1 Diplomatic relations
- From 2009 to 2014
The fact that President B. Obama's took power in early 2009 has promised foreign
policy changes with a positive and constructive view of relations with Latin American
countries. According to the President, the US will gain many benefits in improving
relations with Cuba, Cuba also took an active attitude in promoting the process of
normalizing diplomatic relations.
On February 26, 2009, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill to
ease travel restrictions for Cuban Americans. Then, on March 10, the Senate passed a
law, which is the first step in a larger effort by the new administration in the US to ease
US trade embargoes and end travel restrictions for all US citizens traveling to Cuba.On
April 13, 2009, President B. Obama decided to abolish some measures in the strict antiCuba embargo imposed by Washington earlier, in which the US removed all restrictions
on remittance and the number of visits to the homeland of Cuban-Americans returning
home and sending money to their families back home.
Since 2009, the US and Cuba have begun to resume negotiations on immigration,
on US delay in implementing Article III of the Helms Law - Burton to punish foreign
companies to trade with Cuba within 6 months, on the returning prisoners on both sides.
The first meeting of US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro took place
in December 2013. In March 2014, President B. Obama and the Pope discussed issues
related to normalizing relations with Cuba.
- From the end of 2014 to the end of 2016


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Since US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro announced the
normalization of bilateral relations (2014), relations between the two countries have
gained many positive steps.The two sides agreed that Cuba released two US citizens,
Alan Gross and an American agent (of Cuban origin), in exchange for the US release of
three Cuban agents. President R. Castro and President B. Obama officially announced
the promotion of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations, agreed to conduct

prisoner exchanges and promoted official negotiations on the normalization of relations
after many negotiation rounds conducted since mid-2013 in Canada (with the support of
the Canadian Government and Pope Franciscus).The most notable point in this
Conference is the historic meeting of Cuban President R. Castro and US President B.
Obama - the first face-to-face meeting of leaders of the two countries for the past 56
years. Subsequently, on April 14, 2015, the US removed the Cuban name from the list of
"terrorist sponsoring countries". On July 20, 2015 in the world history is the day the US
and Cuba erased one of the last traces of the Cold War period when the two sides
restored diplomatic relations that were frozen in half century. The Cuban Embassy in the
US has come back to operation, marking the time when the two countries officially
normalized relations. After a series of highly important meetings between the leaders of
the two countries such as between the two countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines
of the Organization of American States (OSA) Summit in Panama (April 2015), the US
Secretary of State attended the flag ceremony at the Cuban Embassy (August 2015) and
in particular, the 3-day historical visit to Cuba of US President B. Obama and the 400strong delegation (March 2016) ... This is a clear testament to the efforts of both
countries to restore full diplomatic relations.
3.2.1.2. Political - security relations
- Human Rights: In the second round of negotiations, the US and Cuba had taken
an important step in demonstrating their willingness to improve mutual relations. The
return of political prisoners has been taken seriously by the two countries. For a long
time, this was a sensitive issue in bilateral relations. In January 2015, Cuba completed
returning to the United States 53 political prisoners. This goodwill has shown that Cuba
was fully ready and proactive in closing the gap between the two countries.
Within the framework of different negotiations, the two countries agreed to
launch low-stake meetings to discuss the management of civil aviation, human
trafficking and human rights.


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- Regarding intellectual property: The two countries also had many meetings to

discuss more openly on this issue; frankly exchanging views on the current regulations
on intellectual property in each country, as well as the legal framework for both sides in
protecting trademarks, patents and copyrights ...
3.2.2. Economic relations
Positive political changes had created favorable conditions for economic activities.
However, trade barriers still existed: abolishing the trade embargo had not yet
received approval from the US Congress. The main aspects of US economic and
financial sanctions against Cuba have not changed. The United States continued to
ban Cuba from using the US dollar in international financial transactions; not
allowing Cuba to buy equipment and technology containing more than 10% of
components originating from the US in other markets around the world; not dealing
with branches of US companies in third countries, nor allowing US businesses to
import goods made of Cuban-origin raw materials.The administration of President B.
Obama has taken concrete steps to develop economic relations between the two
countries. Mr. B. Obama announced key measures in the new US policy towards
Cuba: raising the limit on Americans' quarterly remittances to Cuba from 500 USD to
2000 USD. Commercial activities also included expansion of construction materials,
technological and agricultural equipments for Cuban private companies. US goods
trade with Cuba from 2009 to mid-2017, the exports are mainly from the US, while
imports were from Cuba. Relations between the two countries in economic sectors
such as agriculture, communications and transportation ... also began to change in a
more positive direction.


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Chapter 4
DISCUSSION ON USA – CUBA RELATIONS (1991 - 2016)
4.1. Achievements and limitations in US-Cuba relations
The US-Cuba relations for 1991 - 2016 reflected more challenges than
achievements. However, to some extent, the US-Cuba relationship has achieved some

significant results.
4.1.1. Achievements
Politically, both the United States and Cuba tended to improve relations,
especially from the beginning of the 21st century, which was reflected in the mutual
visits between the two countries, especially from the US. On December 17, 2014,
President B. Obama made a historic impression by achieving a breakthrough in
policy change for the Cuban Government. This is one of the B. Obama
administration's greatest achievements in foreign policy.The Obama administration
has taken a step further in the relationship by removing Cuba from the list of
countries sponsoring international terrorism. But all these developments have not
been welcomed by many members in the US government system. The event of
establishing diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level, the first visit to Cuba by
a US President after 1961 clearly opened a new chapter in relations between the two
countries.
Economically, despite the sanctions policy, the two countries' trade turnover
increased rapidly from US $ 1.3 million in 1992 to US $ 245.5 million in 2016, an
increase of more than 188 times, with a balance inclined toward America. US exports
to Cuba were mainly in the fields of agriculture such as soybeans, corn, fodder, meat,
poultry ... Since 2015, the US has taken measures to ease the embargo against Cuba,
allowing Cuba expands its tourism, commercial and financial activities. Under the
new rules set by the US Treasury and Commerce Department, the country provided
Internet services, agricultural exports, construction and telecommunications
equipment to Cuba; allowing US airlines to open flights, and US citizens can travel to
Cuba on holiday, study or business... without having to apply for special permissions
from the US Government as before. Regarding banking transactions, the annual
amount of Americans allowed to send to Cuba is $ 8,000, much higher than the


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amount previously prescribed. Cuba has access to the banking system in the US ... At

the same time, the lift of the embargo against Cuba created opportunities for the
country to promote close ties with external partners, contributing to competition
between goods on the world market, such as the EU.
4.1.2. Limitations
Regarding politics - diplomacy, one of the obstacles affecting diplomatic
relations between the US and Cuba was political dissent and human rights issues in
Cuba. The United States and Cuba always have distinct views about the political
institutions and the legacy of the Cold War. The United States also wanted Cuba to
change its one-party political system. However, Cuba did not accept these US
demands. On the Cuban side, they asked the US about the Guantanamo prison related
issue. US-Cuba relations also faced challenges from internal US politics (the CubanAmerican community was strongly opposed to the normalization of US-Cuban
relations; Republican and American Congressmen Cuba).
Economically, although Washington and Havana have marked the restoration
of diplomatic relations. This has led to certain results relating to remittances and
tourism, but financial, economic and trade constraints remained. The clear barrier is
that the trade embargo has not yet received approval from the US Congress, when the
Republican Party is in the majority. The relationship between the US and Cuba still
has many problems that have not yet achieved noticeable steps.
4.2. Some characteristics of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016
Firstly, the US-Cuba relationship between 1991 and 2016 is a succesive complicated
and tense relationship between the two countries during the Cold War.
Secondly, US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 have just continued the
development of relations during the Cold War period, and at the same time, there has been a
very important change, especially under President B. Obama (2009 - 2016). ).
Thirdly, US-Cuba relations between 1991 and 2016 mainly focused on the fields of
politics - diplomacy, economics and unsustainable progress.
4.3. Discussion on the normalization of US-Cuba relations
4.3.1. The causes promoting normalization of US-Cuba relations
- US policy towards Cuba, including sieging and embargo, has its limitations and
proved ineffective.- Restoration of American prestige and influence in the region.

- The US President B. Obama and Cuban leader.'s roles


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- The role of the political forces inside (US President's foreign policy planning and
coordination agency, US National Security Council ...) and outside countries (Government
of Canada, Vatican City, the role of of the United Nations)
- F. Castro's transition of power to R. Castro and Cuba's reforms have had a
significant impact on the US position.
4.3.2. The impact of the US-Cuba normalization
- For America
US-Cuba relations have brought both positive and negative effects on the US, the
US-Cuba normalization benefits both sides.
+ The positive side: This step is in line with the trend of promoting peace and
cooperation. In addition, before the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two
countries, the people of America and Cuba as well as the international community have
largely welcomed this change. Therefore, it can be seen that the new history in US-Cuba
relations has met the people's expectations of the two countries themselves, countries in the
region as well as the international community. The overwhelming majority of Americans
support the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, believing that this significant
event will heal wounds in the past and bring greater benefits to the United States.
+ The negative side: The changes in US-Cuba relations, especially towards the
normalization of relations, cause much controversy in the US itself. Many people believe
that Mr. B. Obama has made very basic concessions to Cuba and leftist countries in South
America. The normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba is considered a step back in
the traditional foreign policy of the United States. With the Republican majority in the US
Congress, especially since Donald Trump came to power in early 2017, the relationship
between the two countries has proceeded with a lot of complexity despite having been a
premise since President B Obama. For example, during a visit to Miami in June 2017,
President D. Trump announced that he would not break diplomatic relations with Cuba, but

he would restore some of the major restrictions on tourism and trade which were eased by
B.Obama.
- For Cuba
Basically, Cuba has many benefits from starting a process of developing relations
with the US. Following the normalization of relations, many foreign companies,
especially those from the US, have more fully assessed the potential trade and
investment market in Cuba. Based on their assessments, they positively promote


22
investment in Cuba - a country with great potential but still underestimated. Before
the American companies invested capital into the constructive works in Cuba, the
country was able to join the global trade wave, which had previously been driven by
globalization, so that it could attract more foreign investment capital (FDI), especially
from developed countries to boost the economy, which was facing many difficulties
due to the US embargo.
Improved US-Cuba relations will help the island nation reform its struggling
economy, boosting exports: cigars, rum, biotechnology and tourism development. At
the same time, it is possible to receive international investors including the US to
exploit oil and gas. The source of foreign currency and remittances of the Cuban
community in the US will be transferred unrestrictedly. Improved relations between
the two countries will create opportunities for people, businesses and leaders of the
two countries to promote cooperation, eliminate the remnants and hatred that have
existed for over half a century. .
- For the regional and internatioal area
+ Normalizing relations with the US also creates a peaceful and stable environment
of the American region. After the restoration of the US-Cuban relations , it came to
establish a bilateral relationship, hoping to end or soften the ideological confrontation
and stop the division between Latin American countries for decades. Promoting
reconciliation of US-Cuba relationship is an urgent requirement of the people in the

region. The political determination between the two Governments will promote the
two countries to further position in the region. They become two countries
responsible for the process of integration and development in the Americas.
+ For the world: The normalization of US-Cuba diplomatic relations marks a stronger
step of the international peace and progress and additionally meeting the people's
expectations in their own countries as well as the international community; It also
demonstrates that the two countries have had a lot of disagreements but can still
gradually develop relations and bring bilateral relations to a higher level. To some
extent, the event of normalizing US-Cuban diplomatic relations also created useful
prerequisites and channels for the US to take steps to promote mutual relations
between Korea and North Korea.


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CONCLUSION
1. The relationship between the US and Cuba has a long history and its
development process has experienced many ups and downs over time. In modern
history, no relationship has developed with tension, complexity like the US-Cuba
one. After the end of the Cold War, US leaders (G. Bush, B. Clinton) continued to
enforce the embargo by the Cuban Democratic Acts and the Helms - Burton Act,
causing Cuba to face political and economic difficulties. Besides, it should be noted
that a number of efforts to loosen sanctions have also occurred, such as the Trade
Competition and Reform Act that allows the transportation of food and medicine to
Cuba ...
In 2008, the relationship between the two countries began to change as they
both had a new leader: Barack Obama took office as the 44th President of the White
House (January 2009) and Raúl Castro officially became President of Cuba,
replacingFidel Castro (February 2008). Many events have been happening
succesively since President B. Obama and President Raúl Castro announced their
agreement to normalizing relations on December 17, 2014. The US and Cuba have

re-established embassies in both countries and the US has removed Cuba from its list
of terrorist sponsors. B. Obama was the first US president to visit Cuba in 88 years on
March 20, 2016.
2. There are two main issues in US-Cuba relations after 1991: sanctions and
promotion of democracy for Cuba. With the Cuban Democratic Act (CDA) (1992)
and the Helms - Burton Act (1996), the US strategy towards Cuba has had a
significant enhancement in its embargo policy against Cuba. The main objective of
the embargo was changed: from resolving the claim of revocation of US businesses
and individuals in the early 1960s with the purpose of destabilizing teh society
(1960s) to disrupting military aid in Africa and other parts of Cuba (1970s and
1980s), in an attempt to bring democracy and freedom in Cuba and restore ownership
(early 1990s). In the 1990s, the issue of promoting democracy and respect for human
rights became the focus of the US embargo, showing the consistency of US sanctions
policy.
3. The normalization of Cuban-US relations stem from many factors: Firstly,
the internal political interests of the United States have changed, especially the power