Marifeli Perez-Stable comments on the lack of structural and economic changes in Cuba since Raúl Castro's takeover of power in 2007.

The announcement that Cuba's government will release more than fifty political prisoners could create political space for reforms in Cuba, and an easing of the U.S. embargo, says CFR's Julia Sweig.

Cubans want the United States to lift its long-standing embargo on Cuba, but any serious easing of trade and travel restrictions between the two countries may badly harm Cuba's health-care industry.

The U.S. State Department continues to list Cuba as a state sponsor of terror, though most experts say the country no longer poses a threat to U.S. national security.

Listen to CFR's Julia E. Sweig discuss her recent book, Cuba: What Everyone Needs to Know,  as well as the Obama administration's Latin America policy with students as part of CFR's Academic Conference Call series.

Learn more about CFR's Academic Initiative.

Listen to experts discuss current and future U.S.-Cuba relations.

Cuba experts Carlos A. Saladrigas and Julia E. Sweig discuss U.S.-Cuba relations and the potential for change in the near future.

Watch experts discuss current and future U.S.-Cuba relations.

Marifeli Perez-Stable discusses the leakage by El País of Obama's message to Raul Castro, warning that if the administration doesn't "break the tired two-step" of Cuban-American relations soon, it may be too late.

A remarkably accessible portrait of Cuba's unique place on the world stage over the past fifty years, including its internal politics, its often fraught relationship with the United States, and its shifting relationship with the global community.

Julia E. Sweig argues that the costs of maintaining the base at Guantanamo Bay outweigh the benefits.

Julia E. Sweig provides a road map for President Obama to improve relations between the United States and Cuba.

Julia E. Sweig, CFR's director of Latin American studies, says ties between Washington and Havana may change, but the United States has been downplaying expectations of a breakthrough.

Richard N. Haass writes on the American policy of isolating Cuba: "Things are changing in Cuba, however slowly. The United States should be a part of shaping their direction."

Brookings presents a roadmap of policy alternatives for constructive engagement with Cuba which encourages the Cuban people to pursue a democratic future without trying to impose it on them.

Pressure is building on the U.S. government to pull the plug on TV Marti, its expensive broadcast station for Cuba that has failed to overcome jamming efforts by the Cuban government.