"What future lies ahead for Cuba as it faces the new millenium? Must it now turn its back on the past four decades since the 1959 revolution? In a series of speeches over recent years, including his address to the United Nations in October 1995, President Fidel Castro of Cuba discusses the main issues confronting the small Carribean nation as it tries to adjust to a changing world." "Castro reviews how Cuba has survived its economic crisis following the collapse of the socialist bloc and considers the extent to which Cuba should rely on capitalist measures to restore economic growth. He frankly discusses the social problems that result from the island's dependence on foreign tourism." "Cuba at the crossroads examines the recent strains in U.S.-Cuba relations, such as the tightening of the economic blockade, the 'rafters' migration crisis and the increasing number of provocations against Havana, and considers the prospects for normalizing relations with Washington." "In a rare personal mood, Castro reflects on his university days, the influences on him and what drew him into student politics and then national political life."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved