Introduction
The Caribbean Sea is home to many vibrant countries, cultures, and peoples. The two countries that are most often associated with the Caribbean Sea are Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In fact, the two countries even share an island! Knowing the history and current political and social climate of the two countries helps to understand how this island-sharing has come about.
Historical Background of Cuba and the Dominican Republic
Cuba and the Dominican Republic have long been associated with the Caribbean Sea, with the former having been a Spanish colony for hundreds of years until gaining its independence in 1902 and the latter having gained independence in 1844. In the nineteenth century, Cuba became a major trading partner of the United States, and since then the two countries have become very close. In the 1950s, Cuba experienced a period of rapid industrialization, which is when the two countries began to share the island of Hispaniola.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, both countries experienced political and social turmoil, with Cuba experiencing a revolution and the Dominican Republic experiencing several coups. This instability ultimately led to the two countries sharing the island of Hispaniola more amicably than before.
Political and Social Climate of Cuba and the Dominican Republic
In the present day, the two countries have developed a strong political and social relationship. Both countries joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas in 2012, which is a bloc of countries in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America that share a common commitment to economic, political, and social integration.
Currently, the two countries are close trading partners, with the Dominican Republic importing food, medicine, and other goods from Cuba. In addition, the two countries have strong ties in terms of tourism, with many tourists from the Dominican Republic travelling to Cuba for its beaches and cultural attractions.
The two countries also cooperate on a number of other levels, such as security, foreign relations, and the economy. In addition, they often collaborate on scientific and technological research and development.
Pros and Cons of the Two Countries Sharing an Island
The pros of the two countries sharing an island include increased economic opportunity, increased security cooperation, and improved cultural understanding. An increase in economic opportunity means that both countries can access each other’s markets and resources, leading to more jobs, higher wages, and a more stable economy. Security cooperation between the two countries means that each can work together to address cross-border security issues, such as organized crime and human trafficking.
The cons of the two countries sharing an island include potential conflicts in terms of sovereignty and resource management. This is because the island is shared in such an intimate way that there is always the potential for disputes and misunderstandings. Additionally, there is the potential for environmental damage to the island due to over exploitation of its resources.
Experts’ Perspectives on the Two Countries Sharing an Island
Experts hold varied opinions on the two countries’ sharing of an island. Some experts believe that the benefits outweigh the risks, citing increased economic and social
