The Helms-Burton Bill: The United States' Latest Effort to Bring Democracy to Cuba?
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Authors
Haight, Travis G.
Issue Date
1996
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
On March 12th, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Cuban
Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, better known as the Helms-Burton
Act, named for the sponsors of the bill; Senator Jesse Helms (R, NC) and
Representative Dan Burton (R, IN). The period of time between the signing
of the bill and the completion of this paper has been an interesting one, with
heated congressional, administrative and international involvement. Before
forming an opinion on the merits of this legislation, it is imperative to
consider how it embodies historical, economical, political and international
issues and the way in which Helms-Burton endeavors to confront these
interrelated problems.
Historical relations between the United States and Cuba have been far
from friendly, thus it is no surprise that to this day we hold deep animosities
towards one another. However, unlike many other measures we have
undertaken over the years against Cuba, Helms-Burton brings some of our
closest allies and trading partners into the fray causing many to wonder who
exactly is hurt by this proposal.
It is my goal to lay out, objectively, exactly what has and will transpire
in regards to the act. It is the latest attempt by the United States
government to try to influence what happens in Cuba. The problem with this
move is that it is the first time we have formulated a policy that directly
involves our closest allies. Helms-Burton is the climax of a continuam of
events that brings us to our current position with Cuba. By briefly delving
into the history of U.S. and Cuban relations, and more closely looking at the
policy and politics of the bill and why there has been so much international
fallout, perhaps a better understanding of the Helms-Burton legislation can be
reached.
Description
iii, 42 p.
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