Raúl Castro and the new Cuba : a close-up view of change

In 2006, Fidel Castro yielded power over Cuba to his younger brother Raul, making him the first new president of the island nation in nearly five decades. Since then, Raul has ushered in many changes and reforms, including allowing open criticism of the government, lifting the ban on personal electronics like cell phones and computers, and allowing farmers to purchase their own equipment. This timely work weaves together expert analysis with narrative accounts from current Cuban citizens to explore the economic, political, legal, and social changes occurring in Cuba under Raul Castro's presidency. Among the issues discussed are how Cubans are facing the challenges of an economy emerging from socialism into a market-driven reality, how long the one-party system can endure, and what the future may hold. By tracking Cuba's ongoing emergence from decades of communism, this current work stands at the forefront of Latin American and Caribbean studies. In 2006, Fidel Castro yielded power over Cuba to his younger brother Raul, making him the first new president of the island nation in nearly five decades. Raul has ushered in many changes and reforms, including allowing open criticism of the government, lifting the ban on personal electronics, and allowing farmers to purchase their own equipment. This timely work weaves together expert analysis with narrative accounts from current Cuban citizens to explore the economic, political, legal, and social changes occurring in Cuba under Raul Castro's presidency. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here. Scope and content: "This work includes expert analysis and narrative accounts from current Cuban citizens to explore economic, political, legal, and social changes occurring in Cuba under Raúl Castro's presidency. Issues discussed include how Cubans are facing the challenges of an economy emerging into a market-driven reality, how the one-party system can endure, and what the future may hold"--Provided by publisher pt. 1. Two New Presidents Arturo and Raúl Pedro, Carlos and Raúl Raúl and Rody pt. 2. The New Cuba The Economy in the New Cuba Politics in the New Cuba The Rule of Law in the New Cuba pt. 3. The Future of Cuba Silly Fantasies A Detour to Russia? The Chinese Model, Europe and Brazil pt. 4. The New Convergence Making Space Fits and Starts The Path to Reform.