Fact Check: What is more responsible for starvation in Cuba, the Communist regime's policies or the embargo?

Fact Check: What is more responsible for starvation in Cuba, the Communist regime's policies or the embargo?

What We Know

The issue of starvation in Cuba is complex and influenced by both the policies of the Communist regime and the long-standing U.S. embargo. The U.S. embargo, initiated in the early 1960s, has imposed severe restrictions on trade and economic activity, which many argue has significantly contributed to the economic hardships faced by the Cuban population. According to a report from Britannica, the embargo has been criticized for harming everyday Cubans rather than the government itself.

On the other hand, the Cuban government has been criticized for its economic mismanagement and reliance on a centrally planned economy, which has led to inefficiencies and food shortages. A Cato Institute article states that the embargo has failed to achieve its intended goals of destabilizing the Communist regime, suggesting that internal policies play a significant role in the ongoing crisis.

Furthermore, a memorandum from the U.S. State Department in 1960 explicitly outlined a strategy to weaken Cuba's economy, indicating that U.S. actions were aimed at creating economic distress that could lead to political change. This historical context suggests that the embargo was designed to exacerbate the economic situation in Cuba.

Analysis

Evaluating the evidence, it is clear that both the Communist regime's policies and the U.S. embargo have contributed to the starvation crisis in Cuba. The regime's policies have led to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of agricultural productivity, which are critical factors in food scarcity. The Heritage Foundation argues that the embargo has been a tool for political leverage, but it has also resulted in significant humanitarian consequences for the Cuban people, particularly in terms of food security.

Conversely, the embargo has undeniably restricted Cuba's ability to import food and medical supplies, exacerbating the existing problems caused by the government's policies. A NBC News article highlights that the combination of the embargo and the inefficiencies of the Communist system has resulted in a dire situation for many Cubans, who face daily struggles to access basic necessities.

The reliability of sources varies; while government documents and established think tanks provide structured analyses, some sources may exhibit bias based on their ideological leanings. For instance, the Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation have clear policy positions that may influence their interpretations of the embargo's effects.

Conclusion

The claim that starvation in Cuba is due to either the Communist regime's policies or the embargo is Partially True. Both factors are interlinked and contribute to the ongoing crisis. The Communist regime's economic mismanagement has created a foundation for food shortages, while the U.S. embargo has compounded these issues by restricting access to essential goods. Therefore, it is not solely one or the other but rather a combination of both that has led to the current state of starvation in Cuba.

Sources

1. 499. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary ...
2. Cuba Embargo | Pros, Cons, Debate, Arguments ...
3. Why the Cuban Trade Embargo Should Be Maintained
4. Cuba Is Ailing, but the Regime Remains Sturdy
5. Time for the US to Rethink Its Failed Cuba Policy
6. The Cuban Embargo Has Failed
7. Chapter 8 US Sanctions Cuba 'to Bring About Hunger ...
8. Sixty years after U.S. embargo, its imprint affects Cubans ...