That Infernal Little Cuban Republic

The United States and the Cuban Revolution

byLars Schoultz

Published byThe University of North Carolina Press

Publication date:February 01, 2011

ISBN 9780807871898 | 760 Pages, 6.00 × 9.25 in, 1 table, 2 maps , notes, index

760 Pages,6.00 × 9.25 in, 1 table, 2 maps , notes, index

Paperback$49.95

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Illuminating 50 years of a highly unproductive foreign policy

Lars Schoultz offers a comprehensive chronicle of U.S. policy toward the Cuban Revolution. Using a rich array of documents and firsthand interviews with U.S. and Cuban officials, he tells the story of the attempts and failures of ten U.S. administrations to end the Cuban Revolution. He concludes that despite the overwhelming advantage in size and power that the United States enjoys over its neighbor, the Cubans' historical insistence on their right to self-determination has been a constant thorn in the side of American administrations, influenced both U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy on a much larger stage, and resulted in a freeze in diplomatic relations of unprecedented longevity.

Lars Schoultz is the William Rand Kenan Jr. Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a past president of the Latin American Studies Association.

“Schoultz has an unparalleled grasp of U.S. sources — from government documents to Congressional records, unpublished memoirs and interviews with protagonists American and Cuban. His analysis is lucid and thought-provoking, and he writes exceedingly well. Reading the book is a pleasure. It is, by far, the best book on U.S. relations with Castro’s Cuba. . . . A superb book.” —American Historical Review

“[An] eminently readable account of Cuban-American relations over the past century. . . . A deeply frustrating tale, chronicled with skill by a fine historian.” —Times Literary Supplement

“A monumental study of U.S.-Cuba relations . . . based on an extensive use of primary sources. It will undoubtedly become an indispensable tool for anyone interested in this topic.” —The Journal of American History

“This narrative history of a century of US policy towards Cuba is impressively researched and splendidly written. It becomes the instant standard on its subject. Its emphasis is on US policy since the late 1950s, its sources are principally US archives, and its sweep is comprehensive. Schoultz has a knack for identifying in the historical record the telling phrase, the apt metaphor, the outrageous statement and the powerful insight.” —Journal of Latin American Studies

“An approachable, deeply satisfying narrative with a clear-eyed and persuasive critique of U.S. policy toward Cuba and, more broadly, of U.S. policy toward any weaker nation that has ever stubbornly asserted its sovereignty. . . . A page turner. . . . A gripping, expertly told story of one of the most complicated foreign policy relationships in the western hemisphere.” —Publishers Weekly starred review

“The Obama administration would be wise to consider Schoultz’s latest book essential reading. . . . This impressive book is highly recommended.” —Library Journal starred review

“Schoultz [writes] with insightful verve inThat Infernal Little Cuban Republic, a comprehensive history of US-Cuba relations since World War II.” —The Nation

“Anyone with an interest in U.S. foreign relations will appreciate Schoultz’s careful historical detail, readable narrative and clear analysis.” — McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“Schoultz let[s] the principal actors speak for themselves. . . . to provide a fly-on-the-wall perspective to Washington policymaking.” —Centre Daily Times

“Offers a more nuanced and potentially enlightening window upon the main obstacle to better US relations in the region. . . . Valuable.” —The Latin American Review of Books