Imagine a world where the Cuban people can enjoy the same economic freedom and individual liberty that we take for granted in the United States. This episode explores the idea that economic integration can be a powerful tool for promoting political freedom and democracy, particularly in countries like Cuba where the regime is struggling to maintain control.

Michael delves into the concept of interdependence theory, which suggests that economic integration can create constituencies that eventually overwhelm any political control imposed on a group of people. They apply this theory to Cuba, highlighting the country's unique geography and history, as well as the potential for tourism and foreign investment to create jobs and expose Cubans to the outside world. Michael also discusses the importance of scale and institutional depth, arguing that Cuba's small size and limited bureaucratic capacity make it an ideal candidate for this type of economic integration.

The conversation touches on the challenges of implementing this type of economic integration, including the risk of the regime using tourist revenue to entrench itself and the potential for a Caribbean version of Putin's Russia. However, Michael argues that investment conditioned on rule of law reforms, property right protections, and labor standards can create leverage that sanctions alone cannot.

If you're interested in learning more about how economic integration can promote political freedom and democracy in Cuba, tune in to this episode to hear Michael's compelling argument and explore the potential for a more free and prosperous Cuba.