Author Néstor Carbonell‘s latest book, Why Cuba Matters, provides historical overview of Cuba’s post-revolutionary role in the world stage and the importance of its present relationship with China, Russia, and Venezuela, asserting that the regime continues to pose a serious threat to the United States. The author has relied on declassified government documents and trustworthy unpublished reports and testimonies on significant episodes, such as U.S. attempts to normalize relations with the Castro brothers and their duplicity to obtain concessions without introducing meaningful democratic reforms. The author also draws from a vast array of his own experiences, from participating in civic resistance in Havana as a young man; through military training for the Bay of Pigs in Guatemala; CIA intelligence sessions in Miami; Organization of American States (OAS) meetings in Washington D.C.; briefing members of Congress on the missile crisis and Communist subversion; to Cuba strategy discussions with statesmen, corporate leaders and policymakers.
The author will be presented by research scholar Ricardo Gil, director of our History Program, who will moderate a bilingual Q&A through Zoom following the presentation.
This history event is part of the CreateNYC Language Access Cuban History and Literature Series, and it will be held in English.
DUE TO TH COVID PANDEMIC, THIS PRESENTATION WILL BE STREAMED THROUGH OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Please click on this link on the scheduled date and time:
https://youtu.be/HwhdHnNV5fQ
[Pictured above: A spy photo of a medium range ballistic missile base in San Cristobal, Cuba, with labels detailing various parts of the base, displayed October of 1962.]
Néstor Carbonell was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. He comes from a family that left its imprint on the nation’s wars of independence and the foundation of the Republic.
He earned a Doctor of Law degree from the University of Villanueva in Havana, and holds a Master of Law degree and a Strategic Marketing Certificate from Harvard University. He joined PepsiCo in 1967 as Counsel, Latin America, and progressed through a variety of management positions, including Area Vice President, North Latin America and Zone President, Western and Eastern European Operations. He retired from PepsiCo in 2008 as Corporate Vice President in charge of International Government Relations and Public Affairs. Mr. Carbonell is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and of the Board of Overseers of the International Rescue Committee. He also served in academic boards of Georgetown University and Duke University, as a Fellow in the Foreign Policy Association, and as an active participant in the World Economic Forum. He has authored several books and publications on Cuba, law and history, including And the Russians Stayed—The Sovietization of Cuba, published by William Morrow in 1989.
WHAT THE READERS ARE SAYING:
The Cuban story we’ve all lived through is brilliantly recounted in this well-written and compelling book. Highly recommend!!
—Galen J. Reser
A history of the USA/Cuba relationship from Batista to today. The powerful and all encompassing influence of the Soviet Union & the future without it. A heavy tome …. but very readable. It often read like a thriller. —Elena deMurias
“Why Cuba Matters” is a MUST to read for all generations. —Ileana Puig
Excellent book by a man whose passion for Cuba doesn’t cloud his excellent scholarship and story telling. —Terrence Lavin
Outstanding read with the right historical perspective. The author’s personal involvement and role at the onset of Castro’s takeover provides valuable context in understanding developments in the island and region. —Al Vilar
A book that brilliantly captures the past 60 years of Cuban history. As a Cuban American born in the USA, I learned more from this book than I have from any other book or movie in my lifetime. A must read for all who care about Cuban history and remain concerned about its future. —Amazon customer
TO PURCHASE THE BOOK, CLICK HERE:
https://amzn.to/2FOZrI4
For a biographical and career profile of Néstor Carbonell, click here:
This presentation is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
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