Scholars’ Circle – Threat to Cuba and Cubans in US Examined – April 5, 2026

Scholars’ Circle – Threat to Cuba and Cubans in US Examined – April 5, 2026

April 6, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

The episode examines the potential threats to Cuba and Cuban Americans in the context of US foreign policy and historical relations.

After attacking two countries in 2026, will the Trump administration attack Cuba? What is Cuba’s relationship with the US historically and today? In this segment, we explore the island nation’s history, its government and economy, and why the US is targeting Cuba. In addition, we look into the controversy of compensation for property loss for Cuban Americans, as well as the broader issues of appropriation and compensation in Cuba. Lastly, we discuss the country’s political and economic challenges and the potential need for reform, and, if reform is necessary, which should come first: political or economic reform. [ dur: 58mins. ] Richard Feinberg is Professor Emeritus of International Political Economy at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of Open for Business: Building the New Cuban Economy . William LeoGrande is Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of Government at American University, Washington. He is coauthor of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana . Guillermo J. Grenier is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Global &#38…

People in this episode

Guests: Richard Feinberg, William LeoGrande, Guillermo J. Grenier, Sebastián Arcos

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Open for Business: Building the New Cuban Economy, Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana, This Land is Our Land: Newcomers and Established Residents in Miami

Places: Cuba, US

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