America and Cuba: A century of power, resistance and reluctant reconciliation
Summary
The longstanding US-Cuba relationship, marked by geopolitical tension and economic sanctions, has escalated into a severe crisis as the US tightens pressure on Cuba through oil embargoes and political demands amid collapsing fuel imports and public services.
Key Points
- Since early 2026, the US has intensified pressure on Cuba aiming for regime change by controlling Venezuelan oil and sanctions.
- Historical US-Cuba relations are shaped by a century of intervention, ideological conflict, and contested sovereignty.
- The Cuban Revolution ended US dominance in Cuba and led to Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
- The long-standing US embargo has failed to topple Cuba's government but contributed to severe economic hardships, especially amid recent fuel shortages.
