Editorial
Marco Rubio, as the first individual of Cuban descent to assume the esteemed position of U.S. Secretary of State, now occupies a unique moment in history. His appointment not only holds symbolic weight but also presents an opportunity for him to recalibrate American foreign policy toward Cuba—a nation that, despite its proximity, has endured decades of estrangement and antagonism, largely at the hands of the United States. Rubio’s ascent to this powerful role invites a deeper reflection on his position within the context of his family’s legacy, the political dynamics that have shaped U.S.-Cuba relations, and the long-standing injustices faced by the Cuban people due to a series of punitive, often unlawful measures enacted by Washington.
Cuban-American relations have been entangled in a complicated web of historical grievances, ideological differences, and geopolitical considerations. However, the time has come for Rubio to not only confront the history but also to take responsibility for it in a way that could lead to a more constructive, humanistic approach. When the revered Cuban leader Fidel Castro once remarked that Cuba’s relationship with the United States would only be normalised when the U.S. had an African-American president and the Vatican had a Latin American pope, it might have seemed like a cynical observation. Yet, the reality of these prophetic words started to take shape during the presidency of Barack Obama—a period during which a surprising thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations was initiated.
Under Obama, an era of tentative rapprochement began, characterised by the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, the re-opening of embassies, and the relaxation of certain trade and travel restrictions. While these were important steps in the right direction, they were far from sufficient to overcome the deeply ingrained ideologies and interests that have long dominated American foreign policy toward Cuba. Obama’s policy shift, while groundbreaking, was later undermined by the subsequent administration, which reverted to harsher rhetoric and measures, including the tightening of the embargo and the implementation of further sanctions. In this context, Rubio, having long been a staunch critic of any engagement with the Cuban government, presents both an obstacle and an opportunity for the continuation of these diplomatic efforts.
Rubio’s Cuban heritage undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on the island. His family’s migration from Cuba after the 1959 revolution reflects the broader Cuban-American narrative of exile, trauma, and resistance to the Castro regime. His political ideology has been largely influenced by the Cuban-American exile community, particularly in Florida, who view any engagement with Cuba’s government with deep suspicion and resentment. In the eyes of many within this community, the idea of normalising relations with Cuba is tantamount to legitimising an oppressive regime that has been responsible for the repression of its own people for decades. Rubio’s rhetoric, therefore, has been framed by a desire to see the Cuban government held accountable for its human rights violations, a stance that aligns with a broader, longstanding U.S. policy aimed at isolating and destabilising the island nation.
However, it is important to recognise that while Cuba’s leadership has been far from innocent, the policies of the United States toward the island have often been punitive, counterproductive, and flagrantly unlawful. The economic embargo, first imposed in 1960, is perhaps the most visible manifestation of these policies. Initially intended as a means to exert pressure on the Cuban government, the embargo has instead led to untold suffering among the Cuban population. The embargo has not only restricted the flow of essential goods and services to the island—such as food, medicine, and other critical resources—but it has also stifled economic opportunities for the Cuban people. Over the decades, the sanctions have isolated Cuba from the global economy, ensuring that its population suffers while the leadership remains entrenched. The justification for these measures has always been framed around the need to promote democracy and human rights, but in practice, they have only exacerbated the very conditions they purport to address.
Furthermore, the U.S. has repeatedly sought to undermine the Cuban government through covert operations, including attempts to assassinate Cuban leaders. Declassified CIA documents have revealed the extent to which the U.S. government has gone to destabilise Cuba and eliminate its leadership. These efforts have included elaborate plots to kill Fidel Castro through poisoning, explosions, and even the use of explosive cigars. These actions, orchestrated by the CIA and other U.S. agencies, were not only morally reprehensible but also exemplified a foreign policy approach based on coercion, violence, and a lack of respect for national sovereignty. These covert operations were not limited to attempts on Castro’s life but also extended to efforts aimed at destabilising the Cuban economy, fomenting dissidence within the country, and stoking international hostility toward Cuba. Such actions are a stark contrast to the principles of diplomacy, engagement, and respect for human rights that should guide the foreign policy of any nation.
The fact that these operations were carried out under the guise of advancing U.S. national security interests is a poignant reminder of how the language of democracy and freedom has often been used as a cover for imperialistic and hegemonic ambitions. By focusing on regime change and the overthrow of Cuba’s government, successive U.S. administrations have ignored the broader implications of their actions—namely, the untold damage done to the Cuban people, who have been caught in the crossfire of a geopolitical struggle that largely overlooks their rights and welfare.
Rubio, now in a position of immense power as Secretary of State, has an opportunity to reconsider this history and the role the United States has played in perpetuating the suffering of the Cuban people. Despite his personal and political convictions, which have often leaned toward hardline approaches, Rubio must now confront the complexities of his inherited responsibility. The question that looms is whether he will perpetuate the policies of confrontation and isolation or whether he will take a more measured, compassionate approach that reflects the need for change in U.S.-Cuba relations. His background provides a unique vantage point from which to shape a new policy—one that is rooted in respect for Cuba’s sovereignty and a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering caused by decades of unjust economic and political warfare.
To normalise U.S.-Cuba relations fully, Rubio must be willing to challenge entrenched political ideologies, both within his party and the broader Cuban-American community. This means reevaluating the effectiveness of the embargo, which has only served to isolate Cuba further, and considering the impact of sanctions on the Cuban people rather than solely on the Cuban government. It also means engaging in dialogue with Cuba, not as a means to legitimise the Cuban regime but as a way to foster greater understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation. As Secretary of State, Rubio has the diplomatic tools at his disposal to advocate for policies that promote peace and stability in the region, while simultaneously ensuring that the Cuban people are no longer made to suffer the consequences of Washington’s past decisions.
Ultimately, Rubio must acknowledge that the United States has been complicit in the very suffering it purports to abhor. By continuing to punish the Cuban people for the actions of their government, the U.S. has not only violated the principles of international law but has also hindered the prospects for meaningful change on the island. As someone who has seen firsthand the consequences of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba, Rubio now has the rare opportunity to break with the past and steer U.S. policy toward a path of reconciliation and constructive engagement. Only then can the painful legacy of decades of hostility and suffering be rectified, and a new chapter of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States be written—one that is based on mutual respect, understanding, and the recognition of the Cuban people’s right to self-determination. Among all these, Trump may be the most difficult, as Rubio’s new boss is famously known for saying, ‘You’re fired.’
