Cuba: Confronting the U.S. Embargo

by Peter Schwab

Confronting the U.S. Embargo details and analyzes the effects of the U.S. embargo on Cuban society and the response of Cuba and its population to overcoming its consequences. Although the embargo disrupts and harms almost all aspects of life, the book focuses on those sectors most affected. It is framed by the issue of human rights--from both the Cuban and the U.S. perspective--an ideological gulf which underpins the political differences that exist between the two countries and which raises the question of how extensively the implementation of the embargo violates the human rights of Cuba and its citizens. The political dynamic among Cuba, Europe and the U.S. is observed within the context of the embargo cum blockade along with the political outcome each struggled to reach.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is a bit dated (it was published in 1998), it provides great information on how the embargo affects the Cuban people. More importantly, it distinguishes between two interpretations of human rights: 1) political/civic/individual and 2) social/economic/collective. This, Schwab argues persuassively, underpins some of the tension between Cuba and the US.

He also presciently notes what would happen when Raúl Castro came to power.

I use this book for the class that I teach and I highly recommend it. Much of what Schwab writes remains very relevant as Donald Trump prepares a new assault on Cuba.

[Alexa Smith-Rommel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but somehow still timely given T**mps’s continued sanctions. I am sufficiently dismayed with the United States in this year 2025 and probably didn’t need to read this right now but oh well! Good read!

[Especianise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provide a debt analysis of political and social climate of Cuba. Detailed how the US's embargo against the people of Cuba has created inhumane conditions. I recommend 100% because it provide a real true to what Fidel's Cuba is.