For more than 60 years, the U.S. embargo on Cuba has failed to achieve its objectives. Instead of promoting freedom and democracy, it has inflicted widespread suffering on ordinary Cubans while isolating Cuban Americans from their heritage. Here, we address and debunk some of the most common arguments used to defend the embargo:
“The embargo will eventually lead to the collapse of the Cuban government and bring freedom to the Cuban people.”
Why It’s Misleading:
Decades of embargo have not weakened the Cuban government; instead, it has allowed the regime to use the U.S. as a scapegoat for its own failings. The embargo has entrenched the government’s power by fostering an environment of economic hardship for everyday Cubans, while providing the government with an excuse to maintain tight control. Rather than collapsing the regime, the embargo has harmed the Cuban people by cutting off essential goods and opportunities.
“The embargo prevents U.S. dollars from funding the Cuban regime’s repression.”
Why It’s Misleading:
While the embargo limits trade and remittances from Cuban Americans, the Cuban government has found other ways to sustain itself, particularly through partnerships with countries like Russia, China, and Venezuela. Cutting off access to U.S. dollars primarily hurts ordinary Cubans who rely on remittances and external trade to survive. Ending the embargo would empower Cuban people and businesses to grow independently from the government, providing them with more economic freedom, not less.
“Strengthening the embargo will speed up the regime’s collapse and bring democracy to Cuba.”
Why It’s Misleading:
History shows that strengthening the embargo does not lead to regime change. Economic isolation has only made life more difficult for ordinary Cubans without weakening the government’s grip on power. Instead of causing collapse, the embargo has solidified the government’s ability to use foreign alliances and internal control mechanisms to maintain power. Engagement, not isolation, is more likely to foster conditions for gradual reform and a better future for Cuba.
“Lifting the embargo would only enrich the Cuban government and allow it to continue its repressive policies.”
Why It’s Misleading:
The Cuban government already sustains itself through international allies and internal control mechanisms. The embargo doesn’t weaken the regime—it only strengthens its grip on the economy by limiting private sector growth and outside investment. Lifting the embargo would allow Cuban Americans and international investors to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, giving the Cuban people more opportunities for economic independence from the state.
“Cuba is too reliant on Russia and China to ever make a deal with the U.S.”
Why It’s Misleading:
The embargo pushes Cuba further into the arms of countries like Russia and China by cutting off opportunities for engagement with the U.S. and other Western nations. Lifting the embargo would offer Cuba alternative economic partnerships, reducing its dependence on authoritarian allies. By promoting trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, the U.S. could play a more direct role in shaping Cuba’s future, lessening the regime’s reliance on Russia and China.
“A deal with the Cuban government wouldn’t survive a Republican administration, so it’s not worth pursuing.”
Why It’s Misleading:
U.S.-Cuba relations shouldn’t be tied to party politics—it’s a humanitarian issue that requires long-term, bipartisan solutions. The embargo has remained in place for over 60 years, regardless of which party is in power, and it continues to harm ordinary Cubans. Ending the embargo would benefit both nations, regardless of political changes. Building economic and cultural ties between the U.S. and Cuba would create a more stable foundation for relations, regardless of which party holds office.
The Embargo Isn’t Working
The embargo has not brought freedom, democracy, or prosperity to Cuba. Instead, it has caused immense suffering for ordinary Cubans while isolating Cuban Americans from their roots. It has failed as a policy tool and has only deepened Cuba’s ties with authoritarian allies. Ending the embargo would empower the Cuban people, reduce dependence on the government, and open the door to a brighter future for both Cuba and the U.S.
It’s time for a new approach—one based on engagement, diplomacy, and mutual respect.
Cuban-Americans for Cuba 