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The fact that Cuba managed to reach the standard of living that it did while almost completely disconnected from the world economy is remarkable, regardless of

The fact that Cuba managed to reach the standard of living that it did while almost completely disconnected from the world economy is remarkable, regardless of what you think of its political situation or what could have been if Batista held on to power. It will be interesting to see how their economy evolves as political and economic isolation is slowly phased out. I would not be surprised however if the United States refused to change its position without Cuba making great concessions to privatization and international investment considering those are the terms neoliberal powers have imposed on any developing country that wants to participate.

gadders 10y ago
Privatisation, international investment, not imprisoning gays, letting people disagree with the government.
- pjc50 10y ago
  Those things don't have to be tied together like that, you know.
ed 10y ago
> The fact that Cuba managed to reach the standard of living that it did while almost completely disconnected from the world economy is remarkable How would you describe Cuba's current "standard of living?" You imply the country has a high standard of living but first-hand experience suggests otherwise.
- danharaj 10y ago
  For example, a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. Also, this is a statement about a relative change. What was the standard of living under Batista? Pretty bad unless you were one of the people who owned property or participated in the kleptocracy. There's a reason why Castro could gain the support required to overthrow that government in the first place.
  - aurelianito 10y ago
    Another thing to take into account is that similar countries fare much worse. Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, the countries that are somehow comparable to Cuba are worst in every imaginable way, even when they were not economically attacked for over 50 years by the biggest economic power in the world.

gadders 10y ago

Privatisation, international investment, not imprisoning gays, letting people disagree with the government.

pjc50 10y ago
Those things don't have to be tied together like that, you know.

ed 10y ago

> The fact that Cuba managed to reach the standard of living that it did while almost completely disconnected from the world economy is remarkable How would you describe Cuba's current "standard of living?" You imply the country has a high standard of living but first-hand experience suggests otherwise.

danharaj 10y ago
For example, a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. Also, this is a statement about a relative change. What was the standard of living under Batista? Pretty bad unless you were one of the people who owned property or participated in the kleptocracy. There's a reason why Castro could gain the support required to overthrow that government in the first place.
- aurelianito 10y ago
  Another thing to take into account is that similar countries fare much worse. Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, the countries that are somehow comparable to Cuba are worst in every imaginable way, even when they were not economically attacked for over 50 years by the biggest economic power in the world.