William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh

Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana is a comprehensive and meticulously researched account of the secret diplomacy that occurred between the United States and Cuba for over five decades. In this book, William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh shed light on the back channel negotiations that shaped the complex relationship between these two nations, and challenge long-held assumptions about the U.S.-Cuba conflict.

Overview

William M. LeoGrande is a Professor of Government and Peter Kornbluh is a Senior Analyst at the National Security Archive. Together, they have access to declassified documents, secret cables, and insider accounts that provide unprecedented insights into the hidden history of U.S.-Cuba negotiations. Their aim is to provide a balanced and objective analysis of the back channel diplomacy efforts, dispelling myths and misunderstandings that have perpetuated the stalemate between the two nations.

Key Points / Ideas

Throughout Back Channel to Cuba, LeoGrande and Kornbluh argue that behind the scenes, there were numerous attempts by both countries to improve relations, despite the public hostility and geopolitical tensions. The authors challenge the prevailing narrative that sees the U.S. as solely responsible for the failure to normalize relations with Cuba, arguing that both countries played significant roles in perpetuating the conflict.

One of the key insights presented in the book is the significant role that back channel negotiations played in shaping U.S.-Cuba relations. Despite the public rhetoric and confrontational stance, there were multiple secret talks between representatives from both countries, aiming to find common ground and resolve the issues that divided them. From the Kennedy administration to the present day, back channel diplomacy has been crucial in pushing the needle forward.

The book also dispels myths surrounding specific events, such as the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro. Through extensive research and analysis of declassified documents, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of these events, showing how they were influenced by back channel negotiations and the complexities of the U.S.-Cuba relationship.

Evidence and Examples

LeoGrande and Kornbluh support their arguments with a wealth of evidence, including diplomatic cables, secret talks, testimonies, and firsthand accounts from key players in the negotiations. For example, they analyze the secret meetings between John F. Kennedy and Che Guevara's representative, and the efforts made by the Carter administration to improve relations with Cuba. The authors also draw on the taped conversations between Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, revealing the unfiltered perspectives of these leaders.

Furthermore, the authors highlight the role of intermediaries, such as Pope John Paul II and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who facilitated secret talks between the U.S. and Cuba, and played instrumental roles in thawing the relationship. These examples demonstrate the importance of back channels and unofficial diplomacy in breaking the impasse between the two nations.

Conclusion

Back Channel to Cuba is a compelling and eye-opening account of the hidden history of U.S.-Cuba negotiations. LeoGrande and Kornbluh challenge prevailing narratives, present a balanced analysis, and provide a detailed examination of the back channel diplomacy efforts that have shaped the complex relationship between the two nations. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of U.S.-Cuba relations and the importance of back channel diplomacy.

For further exploration, readers may also consider books like The Cuba Wars by Daniel P. Erikson and The United States and Cuba: Business and Diplomacy, 1917-1960 by Robert F. Smith. These works offer additional perspectives and insights into the history and complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations.