Paper short abstract

Analysis on the two perspectives on the recent political and economic reforms in Cuba: skepticism toward the idea of a real change and the belief that they represent a step towards a change in the Cuban system.

Paper long abstract

Since Fidel Castro handed power over to Raul Castro, there has been many expectations around the idea of a change in Cuba. This anticipation and wonder about the future of Cuba diminished after no dramatic changes in the first stage of Raul's government. But lately, there has been a revival due to long expected political and economic reforms.

These recent reforms have raised a debate over whether the new policies represent a real change which will bring real benefits to the population or whether it is a move to reduce international pressure and criticism or some sort of "safety valve" strategy. Certainly, skepticism towards Cuban policies is not something new but there is no denial on a rise of expectation over a real change in the socialist system.

The paper will discuss the domestic and international perspective on a discourse on change in Cuba. Also an analysis of the coverage of the international media will be made.

Some questions analyzed in the paper would be: How is the international media perceiving the smoke signals of change in the island? How does a discourse on change affect the international and domestic perspective on the Revolutionary government? What is the effect and credibility on a discourse on change when it comes to Cuba?