Cuba sits just 90 miles from the United States, and there is a strong cultural affinity between Americans and Cubans. Yet there is virtually no contact between the two countries: They do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. U.S. law prohibits most Americans from traveling there. And four decades of a far-reaching U.S. trade embargo against Cuba have failed to undermine the communist government, instead providing the regime with a convenient scapegoat for Cuba’s economic woes and a rallying point for Cuban nationalism.
This lack of dialogue creates a great risk for misunderstanding or miscalculation that could prove dangerous in times of tension. That tension has escalated since 9/11, and it is growing as the island transitions from half a century of Fidel Castro’s rule. Political instability, unchecked mass migration, allegations of Weapons of Mass Destruction, incidents at sea, oil spills, uncertainties surrounding acts of terrorism – these are just some of the potential triggers for crisis between the two countries.
The Project believes that first-hand collection of information is vital in the debate about Cuba, and seeks to increase fact-based communication aimed at building confidence and preventing misunderstandings that could lead to violent crises. Since the early 1990's, the Project has been organizing annual meetings between senior retired U.S. military personnel and Cuban officials. In recent years this has expanded to include professionals from across the security spectrum, including scientists, biotechnology experts, and energy specialists. The Project's mission is to promote constructive dialogue between the United States and Cuba on military and security issues, aimed at articulating and exploring cooperative measures that serve the interests of both countries. This dialogue is intended to help chart the course for normalizing political relations, and to facilitate peaceful U.S.-Cuba relations both today and with future leadership.
