William M. LeoGrande

William LeoGrande, is a professor of government at American University, author of Our Own Backyard: The United States in Central America, and coauthor with Peter Kornbluh of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana.

US Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) exits Manhattan federal court on July 16, 2024, in New York City.

Senator Robert Menendez and the Corruption of Cuba Policy Senator Robert Menendez and the Corruption of Cuba Policy

His retirement may bode well for US-Cuba relations—if Kamala Harris can retire Trump.

Aug 2, 2024 / William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh

Wayne Smith, former top US diplomat to Havana during former President Jimmy Carter's administration, is seen on May 2, 2002, in Havana, Cuba during a meeting with the media.

Wayne Smith Devoted His Career to Dialogue and Diplomacy Wayne Smith Devoted His Career to Dialogue and Diplomacy

The former Foreign Service officer liked to say “Cuba seems to have the same effect on American administrations as the full moon has on werewolves.”

Jul 15, 2024 / Obituary / Peter Kornbluh and William M. LeoGrande

People look at food prices at a private business in Havana on December 20, 2023. Cuba's economy will shrink by up to 2 percent this year, Finance Minister Alejandro Gil estimated on Wednesday, after acknowledging that the country will not be able to achieve the projected economic growth of 3 percent by 2023.

Cuba’s Humanitarian Crisis Cuba’s Humanitarian Crisis

US policy is exacerbating the growing crisis.

Jan 1, 2024 / William M. LeoGrande

An elderly woman waves a Cuban flag holding a poster of Cuban late leader Fidel Castro in Havana, on July 26, 2021.

Sovereign Cuba, 125 Years Later Sovereign Cuba, 125 Years Later

It is long past time that the US treated Cuba like the sovereign nation it is.

Feb 13, 2023 / William M. LeoGrande

Biden, Cuba, and Latin America’s Left Turn

Biden, Cuba, and Latin America’s Left Turn Biden, Cuba, and Latin America’s Left Turn

When Lula returns to Brazil’s presidency on January 1, every major Latin American country will have a government of the left.

Dec 8, 2022 / William M. LeoGrande

Cuba One Year After the Protests

Cuba One Year After the Protests Cuba One Year After the Protests

Twelve months after nationwide demonstrations galvanized by deep economic discontent, Cubans are still waiting for change.

Jul 8, 2022 / William M. LeoGrande

Cuba US Embassy

Now Is the Time for Biden to Restaff the Havana Embassy Now Is the Time for Biden to Restaff the Havana Embassy

A never-before-published letter from the US Embassy community in Cuba argues that Washington should sustain full diplomatic functions despite the risks.

Jul 23, 2021 / Peter Kornbluh and William M. LeoGrande

Cuba Protests

Cuba’s Protests Are Different This Time Cuba’s Protests Are Different This Time

A shrinking economy, frightening new rates of Covid infections, and growing discontent with the government are fueling once-in-a-generation protests.

Jul 13, 2021 / William M. LeoGrande

Remembering Robert White

Remembering Robert White Remembering Robert White

Fired by Nixon, reprimanded by Kissinger, and dismissed by Haig, tireless defender of human rights in Latin America, Robert White, dies at 88.

Jan 22, 2015 / William M. LeoGrande

Six Lessons for Obama on How to Improve Relations With Cuba

Six Lessons for Obama on How to Improve Relations With Cuba Six Lessons for Obama on How to Improve Relations With Cuba

The president knows US policy has been a failure. Here’s how he can make a breakthrough, in the little time he has left.

Sep 30, 2014 / William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh

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