This late-breaking panel brings together historians of Cuba who have long experience working in Cuba and who are concerned for the people and the historical resources now at risk there and the future of historical research on the island. The catastrophic failures of the infrastructure compounded by the horrific effects of ever-worsening hurricanes and earthquakes that have rocked the island in the last months will be difficult to overcome, even if the Cuban and U.S. governments could overcome past hostilities to address these.

Panelists will discuss relevant historical parallels for understanding this moment on the island and what might be coming for U.S.-Cuban relations post-election. We will also address the implications for historical research in Cuba going forward. Of concern is whether the OFAC license regime under which we currently operate when conducting research on the island and/or work with Cuban colleagues will be impacted negatively by the current nominee for Secretary of State.