Summary of Doctoral Thesis in History: US - Cuba relations (1991 - 2016)

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

VINH UNIVERSITY

LE MINH GIANG

USA - CUBA RELATIONS

(1991 - 2016)

THESIS SUMMARY

NGHE AN - 2020

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THE DISSERTATION WAS COMPLETED

AT VINH UNIVERSITY

Supervisors: 1. Assoc. Prof. NGUYEN CONG KHANH

2. Prof. HOANG KHAC NAM

Reviewer 1:

Reviewer 2:

Reviewer 3:

The dissertation will be protected before the doctoral dissertation evaluation board at Vinh University At............on..............................,.............

The dissertation can be found at: - National Library of Vietnam; - Nguyen Thuc Hao Information Centre & Library, Vinh University.

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INTRODUCTION

1. Rationale 1.1. In the history of modern international relations, there is rarely a complicated and tense bilateral relationship as the one between the US and Cuba. Both countries are located in the America and geograpcially close to each other (150 km), but their relationship has been frozen for more than half a century (1961 - 2015). After the Cold War, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States continued to strengthen the embargo toward Cuba with the Cuban Democratic Acts (1992) and the Helms-Burton Act (1996), in which the condition for the abolition of embargo was that Cuba must hold free, fair and forward elections to a democratic government. Turning to the twenty-first century, the reality proves that the US policies of hostility, aggression, embargo and isolation against Cuba have ceased to take effect, and in fact those policies of the US have caused many losses, difficulties for Cuba for decades. Both subjective factors (US, Cuba) and objective factors have led to policy changes between the two countries towards each other. This has been evident since Barack Obama became President of the United States in early 2009 and the fact that Fidel Castro has officially handed over the position of President of Cuba to the First Vice President and his younger brother Raúl Castro in 2008.On December 17, 2014, US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro announced the restoration of US-Cuba relations after more than 5 decades of hostility. From that time, Cuba and the US officially began the process of normalizing relations. On April 11, 2015, President B. Obama and President R. Castro shook hands at the American Summit in Panama, marking the first meeting of the leaders of the two countries since their isolations in 1961. The normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba on July 20, 2015 is part of B. Obama's main policy, ending a decades-long approach to US-Cuba relation foreign policy. This is a historic decision, opening a new step of development of US-Cuba relations. The normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba has greatly affected Latin American countries and the world, creating opportunities and prospects for cooperation between the US and Cuba in the 21st century.

1.2. There have been many domestic and foreign scholars studying US and Cuban relations. However, in Vietnam, this US- Cuban relationship on two important

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aspects of economy and politics after the Cold War has not been given due attention. US-Cuba relations after the Cold War still have many scientific issues that need to be studied in a more comprehensive way. There is a need for the study related to the influential factors, achievements, limitations, characteristics and multidimensional impacts of this relationship.

1.3. It is crucial to study the bilateral relationship between the United States and Cuba on all aspects, especially politics - diplomacy and economics from 1991 to 2016 because it brings about both scientific and practical significance.

In terms of scientific significance, studying US-Cuba relations since the Cold War, improves the understanding of the factors, origin, process of making policies and implementing US policies towards Cuba. At the same time, we can see the picture of relations between the two countries in key areas and highlight the characteristics of US-Cuba relations during 1991-2016.

From a practical perspective, the study of the US-Cuba bilateral relationship contributes to the development of relations with both countries (USA, Cuba) and provides useful references for researchers as well as educators and learners about modern world history and international relations.

Stemming from the above reasons, studying "US - Cuba relations (1991 -

2016)" was chosen as our doctoral research. 2. Research aim and objectives 2.1. Aim: The thesis aims to clarify the movement and developmennt of US-

Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 and explains why there is such a change.

2.2. Objectives - Analyze the literature review relating to US-Cuba relations in the world and in Vietnam, and then identify the advantages and limitations of the researched works. The study then filled the gaps by providing the novelty in the research field. - Clarify different factors affecting the US-Cuba relationship from the Cold War until 2016. Moreover, it focused on the analysis of the current state of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 on 2 fields: politics - diplomacy and economics. - Assess US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 to highlight achievements and shortcomings; characteristics and impacts of this relationship on each country, on the region and on the world.

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3. The subjects and scope of the study 3.1. Subjects: The research object of the thesis is US-Cuba relations in the period from 1991 to 2016. The topic focused on studying US and Cuban relations since the end of the Cold War (1991) until the end of presidential term of US President B. Obama (2016).

3.2. Scope The topic focused on studying US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016) in terms of two main aspects: politics - diplomacy and economics. Regarding political- diplomatic field, it aimed at clarifying diplomatic meetings, agreements and disagreements between the US and Cuba, especially the process of normalizing such relations. With regards to the content of economic relations, the study focused on successes and limitations in trade and investment relations between the US and Cuba. The content of culture and society is only mentioned scattered in the thesis as a catalyst for the normalization of relations.

The historical time that the thesis subjected to is from 1991 to 2016. The 1991 landmark was the end of the Cold War, marking a fundamental change in the world situation and international relations. More specifically, there was a shift in the strategic awareness of the US and Cuba. The 2016 milestone is the year that essentially ends the second term of President B. Obama, leading to major changes in US-Cuba relations.

The thesis studied US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016) in two stages: the period of 1991 - 2008 and the period of 2009 - 2016. The reason for this divergence is that in the 1991-2008 period, although the relationship The United States and Cuba continue to be tense, there have been certain signs of change in the policies of the two countries. In the 2009 – 2016 period, US policy towards Cuba has changed dramatically since B. Obama became US President (early 2009) and Fidel Castro officially transferred the position of Cuban leader for his younger brother Raúl Castro (2008).

4. Theoretical framework and research methods 4.1. Theoretical framework: The research was carried out based on an thorough understanding of dialectical materialism and historical materialism of Marxism - Leninism, Ho Chi Minh thought and the Vietnamese Communist Party’s views on International relations.

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4.2. Research methods: The main approach of the topic stems from two perspectives: the policies of the two countries' leaders towards partners and the reaction of each side before changing their policies from the other side. The study was analyzed through different levels: individual, national, regional and international. The main research method used in the thesis is the historical method, the

logical method, objectively and scientifically reproducing the US-Cuba relations

from the end of the Cold War to 2016, drawing out the nature of such relationship.

The US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016, is an interdisciplinary research topic, both

for Modern World History and international relations. Therefore, the author has

combined the use of research methods of social sciences and humanities (synthesis,

analysis, comparison, statistics ...) and research methods in international relations, in

order to solve problems

5. Referential materials The thesis consulted many original documents relating to the US Government and the Government of Cuba on foreign affairs in general and in the US relations with Cuba in particular, which were officially published. Bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries and joint statements, joint announcements between the US and Cuba; reports, statements, and statements of US and Cuban leaders in the media, portals of the governments of the two countries were all taken in account.

The study also referred to other referential materials, such as monographs, doctoral theses, related to US-Cuba relations have been published at home and abroad; Articles published in many scientific journals: International Studies, Communism, Historical Studies, Social Studies, Americas today, Documents for research of the Institute of Social Sciences Information and Information, of TTX Vietnam.

6. Contribution of the thesis - Point out the dominant factors and impacts on US-Cuba relations for 25 years

in two periods (1991 - 2008) and (2009 - 2016).

- Describe the entire US-Cuba relationship in two main areas: Politics - diplomacy and economics and then assess achievements, limitations, characteristics and impacts of US-Cuba relations between 1991-2016.

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- This is the first scientific research project in Vietnam meticulously and seriously studying US-Cuba relations (1991 - 2016); It is a useful reference for researchers, teachers and learners about modern world history and international relations.

7. Structure of the thesis: In addition to the introduction, conclusions, references, the thesis is presented

in 4 chapters:

Chapter 1. Literature review Chapter 2. US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008. Chapter 3. US-Cuba relations from 2009 to 2016. Chapter 4. Discussion on US-Cuba relations (1991-2016).

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Chapter 1

LITERATURE REVIEW

The fluctuating formation of the US-Cuba relationship has attracted the research interest of many domestic and international scholars. So far, there have been many articles and works referring to US-Cuba relations after 1991, it can be systematically divided into 2 groups:

- studies on international relations, history and foreign policy of the US and

Cuba, indirectly exploited US-Cuba relations.

- Direct studies on US-Cuba relations 1.1. Rlated studies in Vietnam 1.1.1. Studies on foreign policy of the US and Cuba related to US-Cuba

relations

The studies on international relations, history and foreign policy of the US, Cuba are the first important basis for us to analyze the impact of factors on US-Cuba relations in Post-Cold War context:

The first group relating to works that have mentioned the foreign policy, the views of the US government through the presidents, while also highlighting the trends in foreign policy of the United States after the Cold War.

The second group is the literature review on Cuba and its foreign policy in

history.

1.1.2. Studies directly on US-Cuba relations In Vietnam, there is no monograph before this thesis studying the system of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016. Most studies relating to the relationship between The US - Cuba were reflected in a number of articles in specialized scientific journals. The researches on the history of relations between the United States and Cuba in particular and related issues in general are quite variuos. However, the in-depth study of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 was still modest.

1.2. Related studies in the world 1.2.1. Studies on the history and foreign policy of the US and Cuba relating to

US-Cuba relations

-Common issues: Many centers, research institutes and universities have done

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many works related to US foreign policy. A number of in-depth writings, the study of the doctrines, the ideological movement that shaped the advent of policies, are theoretical tools to explain and support the US foreign policy.

Studies on Cuba: There are works that provide the basis, the content of foreign policy of the United States as well as Cuba and the logical interpretation of the impact factors, diplomatic events that took place in the US and Cuba's histories, especially after the Cold War.

1.2.2. Direct studies of US-Cuba relations US-Cuba relations after the Cold War have been mentioned through many studies on the political - diplomatic and economic aspects by many authors from the US, UK, Italy and Portugal. Basically, the overseas research that the author mentioned above provided relatively detailed information on the areas of cooperation between the US and Cuba since the end of the Cold War, and also appreciated the role of the United States and Cuba in the process of economic and social development of the two countries. Thereby they also pointedout the challenges and prospects in US-Cuba relations between the two countries in the economic, political and social context of the US, Cuba, Latin America and the world after the Cold War, especially since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations in the twenty-first century.

1.3. Discussion on the research situation and tasks set out for the thesis 1.3.1. Studied issues Firstly, there are many works mentioning the important factors affecting the US-Cuba relationship from the Cold War until 2016 such as: History, US and Cuban foreign policy. Works which were directly related to US-Cuba bilateral relations are mainly carried out after the Cold War and have been studied quite a lot in the early years of the 21st century, especially in the US and some European countries.

The common point of the above documents is that the US-Cuba relationship is complex, hostile, challenging and limited. The overarching content of relations between the two countries after the Cold War is political - diplomatic and economic, while other areas are less mentioned.

Secondly, the above documents mentioned the history of US-Cuba relations in the fields of politics - diplomacy, economy, culture - society ... That is a necessary source for the author to study, explore and evaluate the relations between the two

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countries. However, in the period 1991 - 2016, there was no comprehensive, systematic and intensive research on US-Cuba relations, as well as the characteristics and impacts of US-Cuba relations with these two entities and for Latin America and the world. Most of the articles are in service of congressional reports, published in magazines ... Moreover, most of the views are made from the American point of views for the sake of American benefits. Meanwhile, the US-Cuban relationship research documents were not approached by the authors for many reasons. Through the above mentioned-documents, the thesis has synthesized the findings on

US-Cuba relations. The US-Cuba relationship is the most complicated, hostile,

unpredictable in the fields of politics - diplomacy and economics.

1.3.2. The gap between related studies

On the basis of the previous research findings, the author has coded events, processes

and analyzed data around the issue of US Relations - Cuba from 1991 to 2016. From

that, the thesis draws remarks on achievements, limitations, properties, characteristics

and prospects of bilateral relations, analysis of impacts on the two countries as well

as other countries in Latin America and around the world.

Firstly, figuring out the factors affecting the US-Cuban relations include: historical

factors, international factors, regional factors, factors from the US and Cuba.

Second, systematizing US-Cuba relations in the fields of politics - diplomacy,

economy and culture - society. Regarding politics - diplomacy, the thesis clarifies the

process of complicated and hostile relationship between the two countries to the

normalization of US-Cuba relations. In the economic field, the focus is on bilateral

relations on trade, investment, tourism and agriculture, and the constraints on this

relationship are clearly defined.

Thirdly, discussing US-Cuba relations in the 1991-2016 period. It highlights the

achievements and limitations of the relationship; characteristics and impacts of this

relationship on each country, on Latin America and on the world.

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Chapter 2

USA – CUBA RELATION FROM 1991 TO 2008

2.1. Influential factors on US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008 In this section, the thesis presents some influential factors on US-Cuba relations

from 1991 to 2008.

2.1.1. Overview of US-Cuba relations before 1991 (historical factor) USA and Cuba are two neighboring countries. For the United States, Cuba has a very important strategic position, both politically and economically. Therefore, historically, since the nineteenth century, American leaders have always wanted to bring Cuba into the sphere of influence in their ambition to expand their territory. After the American - Spanish War (1898), Cuba was occupied by the United States. On 20/20/1902, the US officially left the island but still controlled Cuba to different degrees. After having received

the independence in 1902, the political system in Cuba (including the U.S.- supported dictatorships Machado and Batista) was unstable. Through the Platt Clause, the United States had occupied Cuba three times in the years 1906 - 1909, 1912 and 1917. Since F. Roosevelt took power in 1933, with the "Friendly Neighbors" policy, the Platt Treaty has been rejected. This ended the United States' hegemony over Cuba in theory, but in reality the US influence was still strong. The United States retains political control over Cuba. The Cuban 1953-1958 revolution won, overthrowing the pro-American government F. Batista and transforming the US-Cuba relationship to a different level.

Fidel Castro took power after the Cuban revolution of 1959 and was supported by the United States by implementing an arms embargo against the F. Batista Government and recognizing the newly established regime. However, when the government run by Fidel Castro began to nationalize all assets abroad, including US businesses operating in Cuba and establishing diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, US - Cuba relations deteriorated. In response to Cuba's actions, the United States imposed a Cuban embargo.

For decades, the United States tried to find all means (political, military, economic, diplomatic ...) to overthrow the Government of Fidel Castro. After that, the United States carried out many campaigns including espionage and sabotage activities to eliminate the socialist regime in Cuba. However, all of these efforts failed and this increased tensions between the United States and Cuba.

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To sum up, US-Cuba relations before 1991 were complex, especially, from the successful Cuban revolution in 1959 until the end of the Cold War in late 1991. This bilateral relations were basically confrontational. 2.1.2. International and regional situation After the end of the Cold War, a new world order appeared to promote cooperation between countries and organizations around the world. The above situation has a strong impact on the foreign policy and relations of Latin America, the US and Cuba, which has a great impact on the relationship between the US and Cuba. Both the United States and Cuba must strategically adjust their policies to create a stable and favorable international and regional environment. It is a top priority for economic development of the United States and Cuba.

2.1.3. The situation of the United States and the Cuban issue in US policy after

1991

2.1.3.1. Situations in the USA After the Cold War, the international context after the collapse of the Soviet Union provided the basis for US development in the 1990s, creating momentum for the country to develop continuously from 1992 and til the beginning of 2001. The United States asserted its political position in the international arena. In the face of international changes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the US has always been an indispensable factor in each national policy making. In terms of Militarily force, the United States maintains a powerful defense. The United States is the only country capable of deploying global forces at the beginning of the new millennium.However, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks dealt a devastating blow to the United States. After this event, the administration of President GW Bush made fundamental changes in foreign policy with a top priority for the fight against terrorism, accompanied by huge expenditures on the defense budget, for unarmed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, increasing the new burdens on the US economy, which has begun to show signs of recession. starting wars on terrorism, the US Government must also make some adjustments in the general relationship of the economy, foreign affairs and international relations.

2.1.3.2. Cuba in US policy: Cuba is an island nation with an area of 114,500 km2. Strategically located, Cuba is a neighboring country, about 150km from the United States. In the US view, if Latin

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America is its "back garden", then Cuba is the "platform" to step into that garden. Cuba is seen as a gateway to the Latin American region. It is located at the points of access to the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic. Accordingly, the US foreign policy with Cuba from 1991 to the beginning of the 21st century has changed significantly and thus has affected US-Cuba relations. The United States has proposed many different measures and forms, but the common purpose is to maintain and enhance the US position, creating pressure in many aspects to change Cuban political regime.

2.1.4. The situation of Cuba and the US issue in Cuban policy after 19912. 1.4.1. Situations in Cuba Since 1959, Fidel Castro had been the head of the State of Cuba. In 1971, when the Communist Party became the only official party in the country and Fidel Castro simultaneously held the position of First Secretary. As Chairman of the State Council and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, he was also the head of State and Government from 1976 to February 2008. While temporarily giving up power in July 2006 for health reasons, Fidel Castro is, in fact, head of the Cuban State and Government.The growing economic crisis caused Fidel to declare "a special period in peacetime" (Summer 1990). The Cuban economy is trying to attract foreign investment from Latin America, Europe and Asia. Most investments are made in the tourism industry, with the US dollar being included in Cuba's monetary system. Despite some prosperity with these reforms, the Cuban economy never reached the level before 1990.It can be said that in the period of 1991-2008, the Cuban economy developed with many difficulties. From 1994 to 2000, Cuba implemented a limited market-oriented economic reform, with an average economic growth of 3.7% per year. Economic growth was particularly strong in the 2004-2007 period, reaching 11% and 12% respectively in 2005 and 2006.Regarding diplomatic relations, Cuba must open its economy and strengthen economic relations, develop important trade and investment links with Brazil, Canada, China, Spain and Venezuela. Cuba is also an active participant in international forums, including the UN and the UN Human Rights Council. Since 1991, Cuba has been backed by the UN General Assembly (passing an annual resolution criticizing the US economic embargo and urging the United States to lift the embargo), from the UN Development Program ( UNDP) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

2.1.4.2. US issue in Cuba's policy

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Cuba always wished to normalize relations with the United States, provided that the United States does not impose any conditions. The Cuban side affirmed that despite the isolated siege of hostile forces, Cuba's position in the international arena has been constantly strengthened with the establishment of full diplomatic relations with over 100 countries in the world. Cuba will continue to diversify its relationships with the only "game rule" not to accept any external pressure. As a result, Cuba always not only wanted to have better diplomatic relations with the US but also stayed firmly on its socialist path.

In a nutshell, the relationship between the US and Cuba from 1991 to 2008 was influenced by many objective and subjective factors, the internal and external conditions of each country. These factors include: World and Latin American Context after the Cold War; US-Cuba relations before 1991; the economic, political and political situation of each country. These factors, whether directly or indirectly, had impacts, even regulated the direction of the development of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008.

2.2. US-Cuba relations between 1991 and 2008 2.2.1. Political - diplomatic relations 2.2.1.1 Diplomatic relations After the end of the Cold War, in the period of 1991 - 2008, three American presidents: GHW Bush (1989 - 1993), B. Clinton (1993 - 2001) and GW Bush (2001 - 2008) had continued US Cuban embargoes and even sctricter to overthrow the Cuban Government led by Fidel Castro. Since the first half of the 1990s, the tension and hostility of US-Cuban relations have been manifested in US secret activities to overthrow the Cuban Government, promoting the 1994 migration of more 30,000 Cubans entering the US ...; Cuba provided assistance to left-side governments in Africa and Latin America, and in particular the Cuban army shot down two US aircrafts in 1996.

During the 1990s, the issue of promoting democracy and respect for human rights became the factor leading to strengthening the US embargo against Cuba. The US embargo has been strengthened when Congress passed two successive laws: the Cuban Democratic Act (CDA), or the Torricelli Act of 1992, enacted by President G. Bush. and the Cuba Freedom and Solidarity Act (LIBERTAD) of 1996 (or the Helms - Burton Act), enacted by President B. Clinton.

During the presidency of President B. Clinton, interested in improving US-

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Cuba relations has increased. However, the CDA has not achieved its expected goals, because according to the United States, Cuba has no democratic reform but only a few specific reforms to stabilize the economy. Cuba and the United States in 1994 signed an immigration agreement whereby the two sides facilitated the "safe, legal and orderly" movement of Cubans to the United States, leading to a crisis of immigrants in 1994 (4/1994, 20,000 Cuban refugees came to the US). This event changed the US foreign policy regarding refugees and resulted in an agreement between Cuba and the US in 1995.

In 1996, the Helms - Burton Act tightened the embargo by legalizing this policy, which forced the president to not take steps to normalize relations with Cuba.In 1998, Pope John Paull II's visit to Cuba made him the first Vatican head to visit the island nation. Two weeks after Pope John Paull II's visit, Cuba released 300 political prisoners. In response, the US announced it would allow direct flights from Cuba and increase humanitarian aid to Cubans (March 1998). The US started to sell food and medicine to Cuba under the Trade Reform Act and Export (2000).However, US President G. W. Bush continued to take a tough stance with Cuba.

In 2003, the US government established a "Commission for a Free Cuba" in order to find a way to promote the democratic process in Cuba.The Cuban government asserted that the country was still in the transition to socialism, and condemned the United States and called for help and cooperation from countries in the Western Hemisphere as well as other countries and international organizations. Since mid-2004, Cuba has carried out a diplomatic offensive and achieved many important goals. The administration of President G. W. Bush continued to emphasize sanctions-based approach to Cuba while waiting for political change in Cuba.

2.2.1.2. Political - security relations - Media field: Marti Radio and Television is a media agency funded by the US government to broadcast radio and television to Cuba to propagate anti-Cuban programs, but had been blocked by Cuba by breaking waves.

- Terrorism issue: Cuba continued to be on the State's list of countries that sponsored international terrorism, because it was believed to be helping armed groups and terrorists in Latin America.

- Anti-drug cooperation: Cuba has taken a number of measures to deal with drug issues, including increasing penalties for drug traffickers, strengthening the people training against criminals and cooperating with the US and some countries on

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anti-drug efforts (1990, 2000 ...).

- Spying issues: During this period, the two sides continuously made arrests,

deportation of a number of people accused of espionage.

- Migration: In the relationship between the US and Cuba, migration is also a matter of controversy and tension between the two countries. In September 1994, Cuba and the US began bilateral negotiations to prevent the influx of Cubans from escaping to the United States. The Obama administration restarted discussions in 2009 and held four rounds of negotiations until January 2011.

2.2.2. Economic relations: The implementation of the CDA (1992) and Helms Burton (1996) laws has had great consequences for the Cuban economy, as well as the US and its allies. These are two laws designed to put the embargo on Cuba's economy, whereby Washington imposed sanctions on any foreign companies and individuals that conducted trade exchanges with Cuba, or invested in this island nation.To ease the allies’ reactions, President B. Clinton used the section III. In fact, President B. Clinton suspended the implementation of Section III every 6 months since the Helms - Burton Act took effect and President G. Bush has made this option twice since his presidential duties.

Trade relations have increased significantly: US exports to Cuba have increased from about US $ 7 million (2001) to US $ 404 million (2004) and to a high of US $ 712 million in 2008. US Industry and agriculture had allowed the export of medical and agricultural products to Cuba on humanitarian grounds. From 2001 to 2008, the United States exported more than US $ 2.5 billion for agricultural products to Cuba, averaging US $ 230 million annually. Since 2002, the US has become the largest supplier of agricultural products to Cuba, the main products included poultry, soybean oil cake, corn and soybean. Tourism and money transfer were also brought about benefits to US.

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Chapter 3 USA-CUBA RELATION FROM 2009 TO 2016

3.1. New factors affecting US-Cuba relations from 2009 to 2016 3.1.1. International and regional situation: In spite of some disadvantages, the cooperation and development tendency on the basis of peace and international cooperation is still the dominant trend in the development of the world. Neither the US nor Cuba has been outside this active campaign. In the foreign policy making process, the United States and Cuba must take into account these factors and their impact on bilateral relations.

3.1.2. Barack Obama's foreign policy and the US policy change toward Cuba In fact, the B. Obama administration's "soft power" philosophy, with one of its core elements of the application of multilateralism, is an attempt to return to the "expansion and involvement" strategy issued by B. Clinton in the 1990s.

The US policy at that time could be described as a policy isolating Cuba through comprehensive economic sanctions, including trade and financial restrictions, but supporting Cuban people through concrete measures such as funding for democracy and human rights projects. The Cuba Solidarity and Freedom Act of 1996 (articles 104-114) provided a number of conditions to suspend the sanctions, including the transitional Cuban Government: excluding Fidel or R. Castro; legalized the political activities; released all political prisoners; and made progress in establishing an independent judiciary and respecting internationally recognized human rights. When President B. Obama took over the country, he made foreign policy adjustments to bring the United States to gradually restore its international status and also to respond to the changing situation worldwide and region wide. In that context, US policy towards Cuba also had important changes. Through specific US policies, US-Cuba relations gradually warmed up.

3.1.3. New developments in Cuba under Raúl Castro regime When Raúl Castro officially became the leader of Cuba in 2008, Cuba's development continued its achievements and direction according to Fidel Castro's time.The Sixth Party Congress (April 2011) and the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (2016) approved and affirmed the updating policy of the socio-economic development model with 313 contents, specific measures, in order to

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free production forces, create motivation to improve economic efficiency. That policy had stimulated internal economic resources: having carried out step-by-step economic reforms, with prudent solutions to partially open the economy; allowed private participation in many economic areas that were formerly held by the State. Despite many difficulties, the Cuban economy has continued to transform positively.

In foreign affairs, Cuba has used diplomatic channels to gradually break the US siege. Raúl Castro's government has also made a shift in its perception of Cuban relations with the United States. President Raúl Castro has begun to take steps regarding the normalization of bilateral relations.

3.2. US-Cuba relations in the period of 2009 - 2016 3.2.1. Political - diplomatic relations 3.2.1.1 Diplomatic relations - From 2009 to 2014 The fact that President B. Obama's took power in early 2009 has promised foreign policy changes with a positive and constructive view of relations with Latin American countries. According to the President, the US will gain many benefits in improving relations with Cuba, Cuba also took an active attitude in promoting the process of normalizing diplomatic relations.

On February 26, 2009, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill to ease travel restrictions for Cuban Americans. Then, on March 10, the Senate passed a law, which is the first step in a larger effort by the new administration in the US to ease US trade embargoes and end travel restrictions for all US citizens traveling to Cuba.On April 13, 2009, President B. Obama decided to abolish some measures in the strict anti- Cuba embargo imposed by Washington earlier, in which the US removed all restrictions on remittance and the number of visits to the homeland of Cuban-Americans returning home and sending money to their families back home.

Since 2009, the US and Cuba have begun to resume negotiations on immigration, on US delay in implementing Article III of the Helms Law - Burton to punish foreign companies to trade with Cuba within 6 months, on the returning prisoners on both sides. The first meeting of US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro took place in December 2013. In March 2014, President B. Obama and the Pope discussed issues related to normalizing relations with Cuba.

- From the end of 2014 to the end of 2016

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Since US President B. Obama and Cuban President R. Castro announced the normalization of bilateral relations (2014), relations between the two countries have gained many positive steps.The two sides agreed that Cuba released two US citizens, Alan Gross and an American agent (of Cuban origin), in exchange for the US release of three Cuban agents. President R. Castro and President B. Obama officially announced the promotion of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations, agreed to conduct prisoner exchanges and promoted official negotiations on the normalization of relations after many negotiation rounds conducted since mid-2013 in Canada (with the support of the Canadian Government and Pope Franciscus).The most notable point in this Conference is the historic meeting of Cuban President R. Castro and US President B. Obama - the first face-to-face meeting of leaders of the two countries for the past 56 years. Subsequently, on April 14, 2015, the US removed the Cuban name from the list of "terrorist sponsoring countries". On July 20, 2015 in the world history is the day the US and Cuba erased one of the last traces of the Cold War period when the two sides restored diplomatic relations that were frozen in half century. The Cuban Embassy in the US has come back to operation, marking the time when the two countries officially normalized relations. After a series of highly important meetings between the leaders of the two countries such as between the two countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Organization of American States (OSA) Summit in Panama (April 2015), the US Secretary of State attended the flag ceremony at the Cuban Embassy (August 2015) and in particular, the 3-day historical visit to Cuba of US President B. Obama and the 400- strong delegation (March 2016) ... This is a clear testament to the efforts of both countries to restore full diplomatic relations.

3.2.1.2. Political - security relations - Human Rights: In the second round of negotiations, the US and Cuba had taken an important step in demonstrating their willingness to improve mutual relations. The return of political prisoners has been taken seriously by the two countries. For a long time, this was a sensitive issue in bilateral relations. In January 2015, Cuba completed returning to the United States 53 political prisoners. This goodwill has shown that Cuba was fully ready and proactive in closing the gap between the two countries.

Within the framework of different negotiations, the two countries agreed to launch low-stake meetings to discuss the management of civil aviation, human trafficking and human rights.

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- Regarding intellectual property: The two countries also had many meetings to discuss more openly on this issue; frankly exchanging views on the current regulations on intellectual property in each country, as well as the legal framework for both sides in protecting trademarks, patents and copyrights ...

3.2.2. Economic relations

Positive political changes had created favorable conditions for economic activities.

However, trade barriers still existed: abolishing the trade embargo had not yet

received approval from the US Congress. The main aspects of US economic and

financial sanctions against Cuba have not changed. The United States continued to

ban Cuba from using the US dollar in international financial transactions; not

allowing Cuba to buy equipment and technology containing more than 10% of

components originating from the US in other markets around the world; not dealing

with branches of US companies in third countries, nor allowing US businesses to

import goods made of Cuban-origin raw materials.The administration of President B.

Obama has taken concrete steps to develop economic relations between the two

countries. Mr. B. Obama announced key measures in the new US policy towards

Cuba: raising the limit on Americans' quarterly remittances to Cuba from 500 USD to

2000 USD. Commercial activities also included expansion of construction materials,

technological and agricultural equipments for Cuban private companies. US goods

trade with Cuba from 2009 to mid-2017, the exports are mainly from the US, while

imports were from Cuba. Relations between the two countries in economic sectors

such as agriculture, communications and transportation ... also began to change in a

more positive direction.

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Chapter 4

DISCUSSION ON USA – CUBA RELATIONS (1991 - 2016)

4.1. Achievements and limitations in US-Cuba relations

The US-Cuba relations for 1991 - 2016 reflected more challenges than

achievements. However, to some extent, the US-Cuba relationship has achieved some

significant results.

4.1.1. Achievements

Politically, both the United States and Cuba tended to improve relations,

especially from the beginning of the 21st century, which was reflected in the mutual

visits between the two countries, especially from the US. On December 17, 2014,

President B. Obama made a historic impression by achieving a breakthrough in

policy change for the Cuban Government. This is one of the B. Obama

administration's greatest achievements in foreign policy.The Obama administration

has taken a step further in the relationship by removing Cuba from the list of

countries sponsoring international terrorism. But all these developments have not

been welcomed by many members in the US government system. The event of

establishing diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level, the first visit to Cuba by

a US President after 1961 clearly opened a new chapter in relations between the two

countries.

Economically, despite the sanctions policy, the two countries' trade turnover

increased rapidly from US $ 1.3 million in 1992 to US $ 245.5 million in 2016, an

increase of more than 188 times, with a balance inclined toward America. US exports

to Cuba were mainly in the fields of agriculture such as soybeans, corn, fodder, meat,

poultry ... Since 2015, the US has taken measures to ease the embargo against Cuba,

allowing Cuba expands its tourism, commercial and financial activities. Under the

new rules set by the US Treasury and Commerce Department, the country provided

Internet services, agricultural exports, construction and telecommunications

equipment to Cuba; allowing US airlines to open flights, and US citizens can travel to

Cuba on holiday, study or business... without having to apply for special permissions

from the US Government as before. Regarding banking transactions, the annual

amount of Americans allowed to send to Cuba is $ 8,000, much higher than the

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amount previously prescribed. Cuba has access to the banking system in the US ... At

the same time, the lift of the embargo against Cuba created opportunities for the

country to promote close ties with external partners, contributing to competition

between goods on the world market, such as the EU.

4.1.2. Limitations

Regarding politics - diplomacy, one of the obstacles affecting diplomatic

relations between the US and Cuba was political dissent and human rights issues in

Cuba. The United States and Cuba always have distinct views about the political

institutions and the legacy of the Cold War. The United States also wanted Cuba to

change its one-party political system. However, Cuba did not accept these US

demands. On the Cuban side, they asked the US about the Guantanamo prison related

issue. US-Cuba relations also faced challenges from internal US politics (the Cuban-

American community was strongly opposed to the normalization of US-Cuban

relations; Republican and American Congressmen Cuba).

Economically, although Washington and Havana have marked the restoration

of diplomatic relations. This has led to certain results relating to remittances and

tourism, but financial, economic and trade constraints remained. The clear barrier is

that the trade embargo has not yet received approval from the US Congress, when the

Republican Party is in the majority. The relationship between the US and Cuba still

has many problems that have not yet achieved noticeable steps.

4.2. Some characteristics of US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 Firstly, the US-Cuba relationship between 1991 and 2016 is a succesive complicated

and tense relationship between the two countries during the Cold War.

Secondly, US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2016 have just continued the development of relations during the Cold War period, and at the same time, there has been a very important change, especially under President B. Obama (2009 - 2016). ).

Thirdly, US-Cuba relations between 1991 and 2016 mainly focused on the fields of

politics - diplomacy, economics and unsustainable progress.

4.3. Discussion on the normalization of US-Cuba relations 4.3.1. The causes promoting normalization of US-Cuba relations - US policy towards Cuba, including sieging and embargo, has its limitations and

proved ineffective.- Restoration of American prestige and influence in the region.

- The US President B. Obama and Cuban leader.'s roles

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- The role of the political forces inside (US President's foreign policy planning and coordination agency, US National Security Council ...) and outside countries (Government of Canada, Vatican City, the role of of the United Nations)

- F. Castro's transition of power to R. Castro and Cuba's reforms have had a

significant impact on the US position.

4.3.2. The impact of the US-Cuba normalization - For America US-Cuba relations have brought both positive and negative effects on the US, the

US-Cuba normalization benefits both sides.

+ The positive side: This step is in line with the trend of promoting peace and cooperation. In addition, before the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the people of America and Cuba as well as the international community have largely welcomed this change. Therefore, it can be seen that the new history in US-Cuba relations has met the people's expectations of the two countries themselves, countries in the region as well as the international community. The overwhelming majority of Americans support the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, believing that this significant event will heal wounds in the past and bring greater benefits to the United States.

+ The negative side: The changes in US-Cuba relations, especially towards the normalization of relations, cause much controversy in the US itself. Many people believe that Mr. B. Obama has made very basic concessions to Cuba and leftist countries in South America. The normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba is considered a step back in the traditional foreign policy of the United States. With the Republican majority in the US Congress, especially since Donald Trump came to power in early 2017, the relationship between the two countries has proceeded with a lot of complexity despite having been a premise since President B Obama. For example, during a visit to Miami in June 2017, President D. Trump announced that he would not break diplomatic relations with Cuba, but he would restore some of the major restrictions on tourism and trade which were eased by B.Obama. - For Cuba

Basically, Cuba has many benefits from starting a process of developing relations

with the US. Following the normalization of relations, many foreign companies,

especially those from the US, have more fully assessed the potential trade and

investment market in Cuba. Based on their assessments, they positively promote

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investment in Cuba - a country with great potential but still underestimated. Before

the American companies invested capital into the constructive works in Cuba, the

country was able to join the global trade wave, which had previously been driven by

globalization, so that it could attract more foreign investment capital (FDI), especially

from developed countries to boost the economy, which was facing many difficulties

due to the US embargo.

Improved US-Cuba relations will help the island nation reform its struggling

economy, boosting exports: cigars, rum, biotechnology and tourism development. At

the same time, it is possible to receive international investors including the US to

exploit oil and gas. The source of foreign currency and remittances of the Cuban

community in the US will be transferred unrestrictedly. Improved relations between

the two countries will create opportunities for people, businesses and leaders of the

two countries to promote cooperation, eliminate the remnants and hatred that have

existed for over half a century. .

- For the regional and internatioal area

+ Normalizing relations with the US also creates a peaceful and stable environment

of the American region. After the restoration of the US-Cuban relations , it came to

establish a bilateral relationship, hoping to end or soften the ideological confrontation

and stop the division between Latin American countries for decades. Promoting

reconciliation of US-Cuba relationship is an urgent requirement of the people in the

region. The political determination between the two Governments will promote the

two countries to further position in the region. They become two countries

responsible for the process of integration and development in the Americas.

+ For the world: The normalization of US-Cuba diplomatic relations marks a stronger

step of the international peace and progress and additionally meeting the people's

expectations in their own countries as well as the international community; It also

demonstrates that the two countries have had a lot of disagreements but can still

gradually develop relations and bring bilateral relations to a higher level. To some

extent, the event of normalizing US-Cuban diplomatic relations also created useful

prerequisites and channels for the US to take steps to promote mutual relations

between Korea and North Korea.

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CONCLUSION

1. The relationship between the US and Cuba has a long history and its

development process has experienced many ups and downs over time. In modern

history, no relationship has developed with tension, complexity like the US-Cuba

one. After the end of the Cold War, US leaders (G. Bush, B. Clinton) continued to

enforce the embargo by the Cuban Democratic Acts and the Helms - Burton Act,

causing Cuba to face political and economic difficulties. Besides, it should be noted

that a number of efforts to loosen sanctions have also occurred, such as the Trade

Competition and Reform Act that allows the transportation of food and medicine to

Cuba ...

In 2008, the relationship between the two countries began to change as they

both had a new leader: Barack Obama took office as the 44th President of the White

House (January 2009) and Raúl Castro officially became President of Cuba,

replacingFidel Castro (February 2008). Many events have been happening

succesively since President B. Obama and President Raúl Castro announced their

agreement to normalizing relations on December 17, 2014. The US and Cuba have

re-established embassies in both countries and the US has removed Cuba from its list

of terrorist sponsors. B. Obama was the first US president to visit Cuba in 88 years on

March 20, 2016.

2. There are two main issues in US-Cuba relations after 1991: sanctions and

promotion of democracy for Cuba. With the Cuban Democratic Act (CDA) (1992)

and the Helms - Burton Act (1996), the US strategy towards Cuba has had a

significant enhancement in its embargo policy against Cuba. The main objective of

the embargo was changed: from resolving the claim of revocation of US businesses

and individuals in the early 1960s with the purpose of destabilizing teh society

(1960s) to disrupting military aid in Africa and other parts of Cuba (1970s and

1980s), in an attempt to bring democracy and freedom in Cuba and restore ownership

(early 1990s). In the 1990s, the issue of promoting democracy and respect for human

rights became the focus of the US embargo, showing the consistency of US sanctions

policy.

3. The normalization of Cuban-US relations stem from many factors: Firstly,

the internal political interests of the United States have changed, especially the power

24

of the Cuban-American community against F. Castro has declined. Secondly,

American interests in Cuba changed after the Cold War. Security benefits and its

importance have diminished. Trade interests are increasingly becoming important in

the relationship between Cuba and the United States. Thirdly, the relationship with

Latin America, in which Cuba plays an important role, has changed a lot since the

end of the twentieth century. Fourthly, R. Castro's replacement of F. Castro and then

the economic and political changes that have taken place in Cuba are major factors in

changing US policy. This shows that US interests will once again be a prerequisite

elememt in the Cuban-US relationship.

4. US-Cuba relations still have many complicated issues. The movement to

normalizing future relations between the US and Cuba faces many obstacles and

unpredictability, particularly, during the term of President D. Trump (famous for his

trade interests) from early 2017 until the present. It will have to deal with a number of

difficulties: normalizing relations with Cuba with a sanction policy did not work

while Congress prevents all efforts from lifting the embargo.

Despite many difficulties ahead, normalizing US-Cuba relations on the whole

is beneficial to both sides, to the region and the world. This requires the two countries

not only to bravely eliminate hatred, but also to expand their hearts on the basis of

equality and mutual benefit for mutual trust and a good future.

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AUTHOR’S PUBLISHED WORKS

1. Le Minh Giang (2018), Contributing more reference materials for teaching lesson

9, Textbook of History 12th : International Relations during and after the "Cold War"

period, National Scientific Workshop "Innovating history teaching in high school

towards competence-oriented teaching", pp. 34 - 45.

2. Le Minh Giang (2019), Overview of US-Cuba relations before 1990, Today's

Americas Magazine, No. 1 (250), 2019, pp. 57 - 65.

3. Le Minh Giang (2019), Factors affecting US-Cuba relations from 1991 to 2008,

Journal of Science, Vinh University, No. 3B, pp 30 - 38.

4. Le Minh Giang (2019), US-Cuba relations between 1991 and 2008, Vietnam

Journal of Social Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, No. 12 - 2019, pp.

105 - 114.

5. Le Minh Giang (2019), Changes in US-Cuba relations under President B. Obama's

term (2009 - 2017), Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Social

Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi National University, Volume 5, No. 2b (2019), pp

235 - 247.