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SOCIOLOGICAL VIEW AND THEORY OF SUBORDINATE INTEGRATION...
7. THE IMPACT OF NORTH AMERICAN INTEGRATION
ON PANAMA, CUBA AND THE OTHER COUNTRIES OF
CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Observations about these countries will be limited to a few brief comments;
the topic should be addressed again in other sections or later works.
The results of the North American Free Trade Association on these countries
has yet to be seen, because the circumstances that affect the economic
and political life of Panama and Cuba are still uncertain.
a. Panama
In the case of Panama, the U.S. invasion in December of 1989 demonstrates
clear intent to subordinate this country. In addition, at some
point the Congress of the United States has considered the possibility of
converting Panama into a “Commonwealth” (Estado Libre Asociado) following
the model of Puerto Rico. Although it may seem incredible, some
social sectors of Panama welcome this proposal. 33
b. Cuba
Cuba, on the other hand, was a part of the former system of socialist
integration CAME, now eliminated because of the changes that have occurred
in this block. 34 Presently, Cuba’s situation has become uncertain,
yet the United States is exerting great pressure on this country. What we
should not forget is that Cuba’s future will be very important to the efforts
towards regional integration; this represents one of the great challenges.
c. Central America
With respect to Central America, we have already observed how the
United States achieved its goals through the economic cooptation of the
electoral process in Nicaragua; but there is still great uncertainty for this
region—nevertheless, the United States won a lot of ground in terms of
its renewed control over Central America. Central American nations, fear
NAFTA can be devastating to their economies.
d. The Caribbean
Everyone knows the fundamental results of the Caribbean Basin Initiative,
an enterprise with many integrationist and free trade characteristics.
33
Leis, Raúl (interview), “Panamá, como ningún otro país necesita un proyecto
de nación,” Seminario Aqui, Year XII, No. 434, La Paz, Bolivia, Saturday,
May 19, 1990, p. 14.
34
González, Gerardo, “Cuba y la Integración: la experiencia del Caribe,” Cuadernos
de Nuestra América, Vol. VI, No. 13, La Habana, Cuba, July-Dec.,
1989, pp. 152-172.
100
Vol. XX, Núm. x - xxxxx de 2005 • HOMINES •