Embargo on Cuba Term Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1177 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 4

Cuban Trade Embargo -- another Roadblock to Globalism

To be sure, the concept of "globalization" is a confusing one. Although a world in which trade is not restricted between nations, and the earth becomes a kind of "united economic entity," ruled by the equalizing nature of the market is a pleasant image, many believe that such a "pie in the sky" view of globalization is horribly wrong -- idealistic, unlikely, and even dangerous. Indeed, whereas political leaders of "first world" nations are quick to tout the benefits of a globalizing world, others, like writer Joseph Stiglitz, believe that "integration with the global economy works just fine when sovereign countries define the terms. It works disastrously when terms are dictated." (Stiglitz, 2002). Unfortunately, this is exactly the position in which so called "third world" countries find themselves. Even worse, when these countries are also under the thumb of an economic embargo, the results can be even more disastrous -- both "in country," as well as globally.

Much like Iraq, pre-war, the nation of Cuba has suffered from years of economic hardship due to a trade embargo imposed by the United States. The embargo was established as a full scale trade embargo on February 3, 1962, as a result of the birth of Fidel Castro's Soviet-allied communist regime. However, as a result of this embargo, much more than purely economic hardships began to emerge, and Cuban citizens began to experience drastic rises in poverty and suffering. As a result, especially in today's post cold-war world, many wonder if the increasingly globalized world economy has any use for the continued embargo of Cuba -- as well as if the negative effects on the economies of Cuba and the world are adversely affected as a result of its continued existence.

Stuck Writing Your "Embargo on Cuba" Term Paper?

View All Our Example Embargo on Cuba Term Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



Howard La Franchi commented on this issue in his 1997 article, "America's Embargo of Cuba: What Result After 35 Years?" where he raised the question of just how Cuba and the world is faring economically (as well as ethically and socially), as a result of the Cuban trade embargo. Interestingly, according to La Franchi, not only does Cuba suffer from its position as a "small fish" in the global pond, but also suffers from the additional pressures of the embargo. Indeed, this is a sentiment echoed by Cuban economist, George Carriazo, who says, "The effect of the embargo is not what you see, it's what you don't see," he goes on, "We have Coca-Cola, but it can't come from the U.S., so it has to come from farther away. What the embargo does is make everything for us more expensive, more difficult." (La Franchi, 1997).

To be sure, economic life is extremely difficult within Cuba -- ranging from high consumer prices to high fuel costs (for example, Cubana Airlines must not only pay higher materials prices, but higher fuel prices as a result of being unable to fly over U.S. territory). (La Franchi) In addition, access to health care, technology, and opportunities for global movement of its citizens is also adversely effected, so much so that Cuban sugarcane farmers are forced to plow their fields with oxen rather than tractors.

Interestingly, the historic record of trade embargos with an intent to force political issues (regime change in Cuba, compliance with post gulf-war weapons inspections in Iraq) is notoriously ineffectual. Indeed, although he Soviet Union collapsed long ago, Fidel Castro remains fully in power in spite of trade sanctions (many might say due to trade sanctions that have weakened the people). If, then,….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Embargo On Cuba" (2004, April 10) Retrieved July 1, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/embargo-cuba-168903

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Embargo On Cuba" 10 April 2004. Web.1 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/embargo-cuba-168903>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Embargo On Cuba", 10 April 2004, Accessed.1 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/embargo-cuba-168903
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example