About IISC
The International Institute for the Study of Cuba is an initiative by a team of UK located academics, specialists and consultants with the object of providing an in-depth and focused appraisal of the Cuban ‘social experience’ as it approaches and undergoes another period of major change.
It is our view that a holistic study of Cuba is essential and can only be undertaken within an academic centre beyond the confines of the US-Cuba divide and with the rigour of truly objective academic enquiry.
The Institute has a development plan that sees it officially launched with a major public seminar series in the autumn of 2007. This plan is included here along with a detailed financial forecast and supporting documents.
The Cuban ‘social experience’ has been described as the longest running socialist experiment in history and as such has defied conventional analysis in both economic and political spheres.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2009, remarkable changes are taking place in the political and economic landscape of Latin America, in which the Cuban experience is deeply involved. Just how these changes will progress and what outcomes are possible are questions that are highly significant for policy makers and the business community.
The need for a thorough study of Cuba and its potential in this rapidly
evolving environment has never been more deeply felt.
The proposal is to establish within a three-year time frame a fully functioning institute with four sub-units: a policy unit, a research unit, an academic centre and a travel and consultancy service. Together these units will publish an International Journal of Cuban Studies, organise an annual major conference, run Masters courses and provide PhD supervision.
The Institute will also provide bursaries for Cuban students and academics and researchers to spend time in the UK.
The Institute’s educational work will be supported by funds raised independently by a specially established dedicated charity, the Cuba Studies Trust, but it is envisaged that after three years, the Institute will become self-sustaining from its own income streams.
Backed up by a dynamic, forward-looking steering committee, the Institute will be high profile and hands-on with the media raising the public image of whatever institution with which it is associated.
Beyond the politically charged nexus of the Havana-Miami-Washington relationship, globally, the Institute will be a focus for information seekers and policy makers.
