Book Reviews

Abstract

Roger R. Betancourt of University of Maryland reviews, “Cuban Economists on the Cuban Economy” by Al Campbell. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Twelve papers explore the perspectives of Cuban researchers on the Cuban economy. Papers discuss fifty years of revolution in the Cuban economy—a brief overview (José Luis Rodríguez); the evolution of Cuba's macroeconomy—from the triumph of the revolution through the Special Period (Oscar U-Echevarría Vallejo); Cuba's insertion in the international economy since 1990 (Nancy A. Quiñones Chang); medium- and long-range planning in Cuba—historical evolution and future prospects (Elena Álvarez González); creating a better life—the human dimension of the Cuban economy (Rita Castiñeiras García); fighting poverty—Cuba's experience (Ángela Ferriol); the Cuban population—major characteristics with a special focus on the aging population (Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga); labor relations, labor rights, and trade unions—their history in Cuba (Alfredo Morales Cartaya); the evolution of international tourism in Cuba (Miguel Alejandro Figueras); tourism—natural product, source of exchange with the outside world, and ideological challenge (Alfredo García Jiménez); agriculture—historical transformations and future directions (Ángel Bu Wong and Pablo Fernández Domínguez); and expansion of knowledge-based economic sectors—the advantages socialism offers for Cuba (Vito N. Quevedo Rodríguez). Campbell is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Utah.” Roger R. Betancourt of University of Maryland reviews, “Cuba under Raul Castro: Assessing the Reforms” by Carmelo Mesa-Lago and Jorge Perez-Lopez. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Assesses Cuba's reforms under Raúl Castro. Discusses Cuba's economic and social development, 1959–2012; the domestic economy, 2006–12; international economic relations, 2006–12; social welfare, 2006–12; the reforms, the national debate, and the Party Congress; and assessing the reforms—impact and challenges. Mesa-Lago is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Economics and Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Pérez-López is Executive Director of the Fair Labor Association in Washington, D.C.”