Should the U.S. Lift the Embargo on Cuba?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: What basic principles should define U.S. foreign policy? How do we decide what is in our national interest?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.S. should lift the embargo on Cuba. The embargo was imposed on Cuba in 1962, and its 60th anniversary this year has renewed the debate about whether the embargo is effective.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Ted A. Henken is a professor of Latin American studies at Baruch College. As a U.S. senator, Marco Rubio is involved in setting U.S. policy. In addition, he is of Cuban ancestry, and many of his constituents in Florida are as well.)  

• Analyze Henken’s view. (Henken argues in favor of lifting the embargo. He says that the embargo does not possess the four qualities of effective sanctions and instead has isolated the U.S. and serves as a propaganda tool for the Communist Cuban government. He also says that the embargo hurts the people of Cuba rather than punishing the Cuban government.)

• Analyze Rubio’s view. (Rubio argues against lifting the embargo. He says that doing so would not be in our national interest as it would enrich the brutal Communist regime but not result in greater wealth or freedoms for the people. He also says the embargo would automatically end if the Cuban government implements democratic policies.) 

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the U.S. lift the embargo on Cuba? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate. 

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.