Brookings: Experts - Vicki Huddleston

The Fifth Summit of the Americas: Recommendations for Action

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders of the Western Hemisphere gathered in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17-19, 2009 for the fifth Summit of the Americas. In a series of commentary articles focused on the summit's agenda and key challenges, Brookings experts discuss critical economic, social, energy and climate change issues facing the leaders attending the summit and propose recommendations for policy action.

Cuba: A New Policy of Critical and Constructive Engagement

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration announced changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including lifting the ban on some types of travel between the two nations. This change represents a major shift in U.S. policy. A new Brookings report recommends further short-term and longer-term changes.

Roadmap for Engagement with Cuba

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Under the auspices of the project “U.S. Policy toward a Cuba in Transition,” nineteen distinguished academics, opinion leaders and diplomats committed themselves to seeking ways to improve U.S.-Cuba policy. A great lesson of democracy is that it cannot be imposed; it must come from within. The project members find that U.S. policy should encompass the political, economic and diplomatic tools that are needed to help the Cuban people find the political space that is essential to engage in and direct the politics of their country.

Use "Smart Power" to Help Cubans

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston and Carlos Pascual argue that if President Obama wishes to alter U.S. policy toward Cuba, he has ample authority to do so. Huddleston and Pascual examine Obama's executive authority and note there is no reason the U.S. cannot reach out to the Cuban people and still retain the embargo as a symbol of concern about their government's failure to live up to international norms and human rights.

Cuba at Fifty

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

January 1, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro's revolution and ascension to power in Cuba. Vicki Huddleston reviews the family feud across the Florida Straits and argues that a changed world offers opportunities to those Cuban Americans and Cubans bold enough to bury the past and build a future friendship among all Cubans and Americans.

Who Will Help Cuba Exploit its Offshore Oil Wealth?

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston discusses Cuba's plans to start drilling off the country's coast in order to access billions of barrels of crude oil. Huddleston says that United States companies should get involved and believes continuing to isolate the U.S. from Cuba in a competitive oil market will only hurt in the long run.

What Impact Are Recent Reforms Having on Cuba's Economy?

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this article from Inter-American Dialogues's America Advisor, Vicki Huddleston discusses the recent economic reforms in Cuba following the transition in leadership from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul. She states that the reforms, if continued, will lead to more personal freedoms and better lives for Cuban citizens.

Somalia's Civil War

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the recent U.S. air strike targeting a Somali militant, Vicki Huddleston warns that in order for the U.S. not to lose support of the African and international community "we must consider the costs and the benefits of our actions."

Cuba 2010: Worst-case Scenario Could Become Reality

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As Cuba’s transition from Fidel Castro continues, Vicki Huddleston hypothesizes what the country may look like in 2010 following further changes at the leadership level. She states that one thing likely to remain constant “is the enmity between Washington and Havana.”

Cuba Embargo's Usefulness Has Run Its Course

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Raul Castro’s ascent to power is a reminder that the Cuban revolution likely has survived despite U.S. efforts to bring about the contrary. Vicki Huddleston asserts that continued U.S. economic and diplomatic isolation of Cuba cannot bring about the end of the revolution, but that “if we remove the barriers to communication, we will speed the forces of change.”

Don’t Turn on Ethiopia

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston and Tibor Nagy explain why Congress should not pass a bill that cuts off U.S. technical and financial assistance to Ethiopia. They say the bill will only increase the likelihood of another border conflict in the region. A far better solution, they argue, is to use creative diplomacy.

Ethiopia: Voting for HR 2003 was Wrong

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Vicki Huddleston discusses the reasons why the U.S. Congress should not vote in favor of House Resolution 103, a bill regarding Ethiopia's insurgency. Huddleston asserts that enacting the bill will undermine Ethiopia's political and economic progress, and increase tensions between various ethnic groups within the country.

Opportunity in Somalia

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Vicki Huddleston, The Washington Times (1/3/07)