Dr Stephen Wilkinson
24 April, 2017 - 18:45
Cuba has survived more than 40 years of US sanctions and the collapse of the Soviet Union. With the succession of Fidel Castro’s brother Raul in 2008, and Obama’s decision to ‘normalise’ diplomatic relations by loosening the longstanding US trade embargo and easing some restrictions on travel, business, security, and immigration, there has recently been a level of cooperation with the US, and economic policies have become more open. But things are changing fast. Donald Trump has threatened to end the détente unless Cuba conforms to US political demands, and although Cuba has made it clear that the US should not expect concessions affecting the country’s sovereignty, its position is likely to become increasingly difficult and uncertain. Among other factors, supportive left wing governments in Latin America are moving towards the right, and Raul Castro has said that he intends to stand down in 2018.
Stephen Wilkinson will discuss this situation with us. He is Chairman of the UK based International Institute for the Study of Cuba, and editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies. Among his other commitments, he lectures at King's College London, and is a regular contributor to Jane's Sentinel Reports on Cuba. He has been travelling to Cuba for over 30 years, has written extensively on Cuban culture, its domestic affairs and its international relations, and frequently leads study groups to the island.
Plus informations : http://www.mondediplofriends.org.uk/2017/cuba-crossroads-what-does-future-hold
Format of the Talks
The talks begin at 6.45pm and end around 8.30pm giving plenty of time for questions and discussion. Entrance Fee : £3 (£2 for concessions). Tickets on the door. Wine and soft drinks will be on sale and we suggest you arrive 15 minutes beforehand so that you can settle in with a glass of wine or fruit juice.
Finding the Cafe Diplo
The Cafe is at our usual venue at The Gallery, Alan Baxter & Associates LLP, 75 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EL. The nearest tube/overground station is Farringdon and from there you head up the hill into Cowcross Street. On the right hand side you pass the "Three Compasses" Pub and about 50 metres further on you will see some iron gates with a small Cafe Diplo sign. Inside the gate you will find the reception area. Link to directions to the venue.
Further details on the Friends of Le Monde Diplomatique website where you can see the future programme of events.