The Inconvenient Truth of 'Failed States'
When Bloomberg reports a 'Cuba oil crisis,' it presents the situation as an internal failing or a natural economic downturn. What is left unsaid is the consistent, deliberate policy framework designed to achieve precisely this outcome. The current predicament is not an anomaly but a direct consequence of policy choices made in Washington. The narrative of a 'crisis' without acknowledging its
external drivers serves a particular purpose. THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? The primary actor driving Cuba's economic hardship remains the United States government, particularly specific figures within its legislative and executive branches, and influential lobbying groups. Key individuals like Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and former National Security Advisor John Bolton have been vocal
proponents of tightening sanctions, framing them as a moral imperative to promote 'democracy.' Their public statements consistently tie economic pressure directly to political outcomes in Cuba. THE FUNDING: Where do their narratives come from? The political rhetoric around Cuba is heavily influenced by the Cuban-American lobby. Organizations such as the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF),
founded in 1981, have historically contributed millions of dollars to political campaigns. For example, in the 2022 election cycle, groups associated with Cuban-American interests funneled significant contributions to candidates advocating for hardline policies against Cuba. This financial leverage directly translates into policy stances that perpetuate the embargo and its enforcement.