The Cuban-Thistle Crisis: Rethinking U.S. Sanctions

Abstract

The Cuban embargo is often cited abroad as a prime example of a U.S. unilateral economic sanctions program that has clearly failed to achieve its stated aims, and is now maintained purely for domestic political purposes. Since the tragic events of 9/11, the world has changed. The tools that once merely augmented foreign policy objectives - such as asset/transaction blocking and blacklisting designated agents of sanctions targets - are being redirected and the credibility of these programs is more important than ever. The country can no longer afford to maintain failed sanctions policies that focus more on domestic politics than on achieving their stated aims, and expend resources addressing issues no more serious than cigars and the "Cuban Thistle Crisis."

Keywords: Cuba, embargo, sanctions, Scotland, United Kingdom

JEL Classification: F00, F13, K00, K29, N00, N40, Z00