With Dr Stephen Wilkinson. Cuba has survived more than 40 years of US sanctions and the collapse of the Soviet Union. With the succession of Fidel Castro’s brother Raul in 2008, and Obama’s decision to ‘normalise’ diplomatic relations by loosening the longstanding US trade embargo and easing some restrictions on travel, business, security, and immigration, there has recently been a level of cooperation with the US, and economic policies have become more open. But things are changing fast. Donald Trump has threatened to end the détente unless Cuba conforms to US political demands, and although Cuba has made it clear that the US should not expect concessions affecting the country’s sovereignty, its position is likely to become increasingly difficult and uncertain. Stephen Wilkinson will discuss this situation with us. He is Chairman of the UK based International Institute for the Study of Cuba, and editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies.

Nearest tube station Farringdon. 6.45pm (doors open 6.30).