Title Details
174 Pages
23.4 x 15.6 cm
13 line illus.
Series: Violence in the Hispanic and Lusophone Worlds
Series Vol. Number:
1
Imprint: Tamesis Books
Security and Illegality in Cuba's Transition to Democracy
- Description
- Contents
- Author
How can an environment be created in Cuba in which safety is not sacrificed for more open markets and politics?
This book examines present security conditions in Cuba and forecasts the effects that economic and social liberalization could have on levels of criminality. For decades, Cuban citizens have enjoyed relatively good security, as a consequence of surveillance and tight political control by an authoritarian state. However, economic liberalization necessitated by the loss of Soviet support has resulted in illicit activities and increased criminality including drugs, contraband and human trafficking. Today, relatively good security and a stable political system coexist with widespread illegality. But as restrictions are eased, the average citizen is becoming less secure. Cuba's privileged geographical location, combined with economic scarcity, the remnants of the communist system and the local criminal organizations it created, also makes it vulnerable to more dangerous foreign criminal groups.
Based on both quantitative and qualitative data including in-depth interviews with experts on Cuba and democratization and observational research in Cuba itself, the book seeks to identify the risks associated with liberalization and to explore workable solutions. More broadly, it aims to shed light on how the negative consequences of social and economic liberalization can be minimized for the average citizen during periods of political transition from authoritarian systems. How can an environment be created in which safety is not sacrificed for more open markets and politics?
This book examines present security conditions in Cuba and forecasts the effects that economic and social liberalization could have on levels of criminality. For decades, Cuban citizens have enjoyed relatively good security, as a consequence of surveillance and tight political control by an authoritarian state. However, economic liberalization necessitated by the loss of Soviet support has resulted in illicit activities and increased criminality including drugs, contraband and human trafficking. Today, relatively good security and a stable political system coexist with widespread illegality. But as restrictions are eased, the average citizen is becoming less secure. Cuba's privileged geographical location, combined with economic scarcity, the remnants of the communist system and the local criminal organizations it created, also makes it vulnerable to more dangerous foreign criminal groups.
Based on both quantitative and qualitative data including in-depth interviews with experts on Cuba and democratization and observational research in Cuba itself, the book seeks to identify the risks associated with liberalization and to explore workable solutions. More broadly, it aims to shed light on how the negative consequences of social and economic liberalization can be minimized for the average citizen during periods of political transition from authoritarian systems. How can an environment be created in which safety is not sacrificed for more open markets and politics?
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Introduction
1 - Security, Illegality, and Liberalization in Cuba
2 - Order and Liberalization
3 - Order in Cuba: Good Security and Illegality
4 - Illicit Activities in Cuba
5 - Comparative Perspective
6 - The Perils to Order
7 - Where Should Cuba Head?
Bibliography
Index
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Introduction
1 - Security, Illegality, and Liberalization in Cuba
2 - Order and Liberalization
3 - Order in Cuba: Good Security and Illegality
4 - Illicit Activities in Cuba
5 - Comparative Perspective
6 - The Perils to Order
7 - Where Should Cuba Head?
Bibliography
Index
Hardcover
9781855663527
June 2021
£65.00 / $95.00
Ebook (EPUB)
9781800102026
June 2021
£24.99 / $29.95
Ebook (EPDF)
9781800102019
June 2021
£24.99 / $29.95
Title Details
174 Pages
2.34 x 1.56 cm
13 line illus.
Series: Violence in the Hispanic and Lusophone Worlds
Series Vol. Number:
1
Imprint: Tamesis Books