A Decade of Decline: Cuba's Disillusionment Post-Diplomatic Thaw

Ten years after the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba, the island is in dire straits, marked by dwindling tourism and mass emigration as economic mismanagement and U.S. policy shifts take their toll.

A decade has passed since the historic moment President Barack Obama announced the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, sparking hope and enthusiasm among many Cubans. Once bustling streets of Havana, filled with tourists snapping pictures of classic cars, now echo with despair as the economic crisis deepens.

Luis Manuel Pérez, a vintage car driver, reminisces about the bustling business from tourists, which now seems like a distant memory. His iconic 1952 Chevrolet Bel-Air sits unused, emblematic of the lost opportunities that once flourished in a brief period of engagement. Once, the Plaza of the Revolution buzzed with life as visitors flocked to experience the island's charm.

The initial excitement following the thaw was palpable, with American enterprises lining up to invest in the Cuban economy, leading to increased tourism and a willingness to explore new possibilities. However, a combination of economic mismanagement from the Cuban government, a tightening of U.S. policies under the Trump administration, and the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to an economic implosion.

Today, Cubans endure severe electricity shortages, face long lines at understocked stores, and watch as their loved ones leave for better opportunities elsewhere. The hope that once glimmered brightly in the wake of restored relations has extinguished into a frustrating struggle for survival. As many Cubans seek to escape the hardships, the vibrant transformations once anticipated now feel like a cruel illusion.