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.  

The opening of U.S. diplomatic ties with Cuba will bring real change to the island and raise Washington’s stature in the region, says CFR’s Julia Sweig.

The argument for sustained U.S. diplomatic engagement with Havana has never been more compelling, says CFR’s Julia Sweig.

Shannon K. O’Neil, a Latin America expert, says President Obama’s initial exposure to regional leaders in the Americas was positive but no sweeping changes are expected on Cuba or trade policy.

Francisco R. Rodriguez, an expert on Venezuelan affairs, says the show of force by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez after the Colombian incursion into Ecuador is an attempt to bolster his declining p…