By: Alexander Sileo
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have recently been in the spotlight, not for their music, but for their trip to Cuba. The trip has raised ire from many Florida politicians and some have questioned the legality and purpose of such a trip. This anger largely stems from the historically strained relationship between the United States and Cuba, which has been a significant issue in American politics for decades.
The United States and Cuba have had strained relations since 1959. Although President Eisenhower recognized the government after the 1959 revolution, the United States was quickly concerned by the economic reforms that the new government pursued. The new Cuban government enacted agriculture reforms that were meant to distribute property to peasants and farmers rather than the wealthy elite. The government also nationalized various industries which angered the U.S. business community. The United States responded by restricting trade with the country.
The Bay of Pigs fiasco, where President Kennedy sponsored a militia in the hopes of overthrowing the Cuban government, failed spectacularly and only strengthened the Cuban regime. The Cuban missile crisis also permanently weakened U.S.-Cuba relations and led to the enactment of a full embargo and travel restrictions for Americans that have continued to this day. These restrictions led to the controversy currently surrounding the trip of one of music’s greatest power couples.
Florida republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart questioned the legality of such a trip after news of the couple’s vacation broke. Senator Marco Rubio also criticized Jay-Z for failing to meet with oppressed Cubans and not using his visit to learn more about Cuba’s oppressive regime. It was found in an investigation that the Treasury Department approved Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s trip as an educational exchange. The couple did visit various theatre and arts groups, but also spent time celebrating their anniversary.
This controversy sheds a light on the large debate still surrounding the U.S. relationship with Cuba despite the policy largely remaining unchanged for decades. These policies were still in place during Fidel Castro’s transfer of the presidency of Cuba to his brother Raul Castro. President Obama recently lifted some of the economic sanctions enacted against Cuba through a Congressional spending bill, but more restrictions still remain.
Proponents of the current trade and travel restrictions argue that Cuba is led by an oppressive regime that brutalizes its own people. The United States should work to encourage democracy and promote human rights abroad. Any lifts on the current restrictions would only serve to legitimize a repressive regime.
Opponents of the current policy argue that the United States already deals with unsavory governments such as Saudi Arabia. They would also point to the Cuban government not improving its record of abuses much despite the embargo. If the restrictions are meant to strain Cuba and force them to change their policies to support international human rights standards, then why hasn’t that happened?
This controversy showcases the need for the United States to rethink its relationship with Cuba. While the government should not embrace the Cuban regime with open arms, politicians need to recognize that current policy has not brought about needed reforms. Engagement with Cuba could potentially allow for the United States to press for reforms as the Cuban government would have a larger obligation in pleasing the United States for economic benefits related to aid and tourism. The United States could have access to more carrots and sticks if it changes its current relationship with Cuba.
