U.S. Tourism Ban Hammers Cuba Amidst Economic Crisis and Population Decline
Cuba faces a double blow as the U.S. imposes a new tourism ban, exacerbating an already dire economic crisis. The island nation, known for withstanding past U.S. interventions, now grapples with a severe population decline and soaring poverty. Meanwhile, Cuba looks eastward for support, with China and the BRICS alliance stepping in to fill the void left by the former Soviet Union.
The new U.S. memorandum prohibits American tourism to Cuba, further crippling one of the island's key economic sectors. This comes amidst a deepening economic crisis, with Cubans enduring long power cuts, scarce internet, and shortages of food and medicine. The Cuban government attributes these hardships to decades-long U.S. sanctions and blockades, while the U.S. points to the failures of socialism.
Cuba's population has dwindled by approximately 13% since 2020, with emigration driving this decline. Around 72% of Cubans now live below the poverty line, with even doctors struggling on monthly salaries of about US$50. Despite these challenges, Cuba has weathered past storms, including the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis.
In response to the waning influence of the former Soviet Union, China has emerged as Cuba's primary benefactor. The BRICS alliance, now expanded to include 11 nations, also offers a lifeline. Cuba, as a BRICS partner, hopes to explore alternative economic mechanisms and reduce reliance on Western financial institutions. However, the alliance's commitment to neoliberal economic principles may pose a hurdle for Cuba's socialist model.
With the U.S. tourism ban adding to Cuba's economic woes, the island looks to China and the BRICS alliance for support. Despite the challenges posed by these partnerships, Cuba's resilience in the face of adversity remains unbroken. As the island navigates its worst economic crisis since the 1959 revolution, the global community watches and waits for signs of recovery.
