Since taking office in 2025, the Trump administration has portrayed Cuba as a national security threat to the United States, pledging to “use every tool at our disposal” to counteract the government there, including regime change.  While the U.S. and Cuba have been at odds for decades, this approach includes an increase in political and economic pressures, including limitations on oil and increased sanctions. 
 
Former U.S. Ambassadors Jeffrey DeLaurentis and Peter DeShazo ’69 will discuss the recent evolution of the U.S./Cuba relationship, the variables in play in that dynamic, increased U.S. sanctions and other forms of pressure, the effects of those measures and possible future outcomes.

Moderated by Desirée J. Garcia, Chair, Department of Latin American, Latino, & Caribbean Studies.