Cuba and Venezuela
Cuba is one of the successful western countries in many parameters. Having invested in technology, education, medical field, and military, Cuba’s becomes an important arsenal to the Latin America. Cuba helps Latin America in uplifting the economy through various integration mechanisms. Being a member of CELAC board, Cuba assimilated Latin America in the trade belt. Cuba also promised to integrate other countries in the trade ties during the Havana Summit.
Cuba and Venezuela possess mutual relationships in many aspects. For instance, Venezuela supplies oil to Cuba at subsidized prices. Cuba in turn provides teachers, military advisors, sports trainers, and doctors, among other professionals. Their interdependence presents severe challenges to both countries due to external and internal security threats. For instance, the US becomes concerned by this relationship as Venezuela would dominate the oil market. Other nations with trade interests in these countries also face hurdles while penetrating the Cuban and Venezuelan markets.
The US demonstrate serious concerns about the trade changes between Venezuela and Cuba. The Latin American politics becomes of interest to the US because of trade dominance. The US then considers leading a multilateral efforts for assisting the Petrocaribe countries to assure them of energy security. Besides, the mechanisms of supporting a transition from hydrocarbons to sustainable alternative energy sources appeases the US in the Latin American politics.
The US should apply diplomatic options in approaching the Cuban and Venezuelan ties. A discussion of easing the longstanding battle on US investment and trade with Cuba would also assist the crisis. Besides, the US should initiate the North American energy integration to reduce the Venezuelan dominance in the most profitable markets. Finally, the US can also initiate other areas of trade with these Latin American countries as alternatives to the energy sector.