William M. LeoGrande, professor of government at
American University, is the author of Our Own Backyard: The United
States in Central America, 1977-1992, among other books.
Peter Kornbluh, director of the Cuba Documentation
Project at the National Security Archive in Washington, D.C., is
the author of The Pinochet File: A Declassified Dossier on Atrocity
and Accountability, among other books.
Challenging the prevailing narrative of U.S.-Cuba relations, this
book investigates the history of the secret, and often surprising,
dialogue between Washington and Havana. The authors, who spent more
than a decade examining classified files, provide a comprehensive
account of negotiations beginning in 1959. . . . suggesting that
the past holds lessons for future negotiators." --The New
Yorker
A fascinating and thorough intellectual introduction to the
[December 2014 Obama-Castro] accords. . . . The book makes it clear
that, during the long period of the Cuban-Soviet alliance, an
agreement was practically impossible, though the history of
attempts reads like a James Bond novel.--The New York Review of
Books
A tour de force, Back Channel to Cuba never simplifies the
complexity of the post-Revolution relationship between the United
States and Cuba. The authors' virtuosity and enthusiastic vigor is
reminiscent of John Le Carre as a political moralist while adhering
to exacting scholarly standards.--The American Conservative
An exceedingly well-written and well-documented account. . . .
Essential for libraries that support research into the political
and diplomatic history of America foreign relations with Cuba in
the latter half of the 20th century.--Library Journal, starred
review
LeoGrande and Kornbluh's exhaustive and masterful diplomatic
history will stand as the most authoritative account of U.S.-Cuban
diplomatic relations during the five decades of Cuban President
Fidel Castro's rule.--Foreign Affairs
LeoGrande and Kornbluh's groundbreaking work is essential reading
for U.S.-Cuban scholars and for anyone who wants to understand the
context of Raul Castro and Obama's December 2014
announcements.--Diplomatic History
Observers should look to Back Channel to Cuba and its mastery of
detail and analysis for the precedents that map out the road
ahead--and the potholes to avoid.--American Historical Review
Told in clear prose, this richly detailed book underscores how
diplomacy makes headlines, but many exchanges happen far from
official negotiation tables.--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Very well written. . . . It will be interesting for specialists,
general readership, and undergraduate and graduate
students.--Choice
Ask a Question About this Product More... |