NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
President Trump and his aides are now speaking of a foreign policy where pressure and the use of military might can be applied both to adversaries and, potentially, allies. Nick Schifrin has two views on the Trump Doctrine from Todd Robinson, who served as the top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela before being kicked out of the country, and Andrés Martínez-Fernández of The Heritage Foundation.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- How have conditions deteriorated for Cuba in recent months?
- Why is Cuba experiencing an energy crisis?
- What has President Trump said about his plans for Cuba?
- Who is Lillian Guerra, and what is her background?
- Where does money supporting 40% of the Cuban population come from, according to Guerra?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
When asked if she expects change in Cuba, Lisa Guerra says that their may be armed conflict in Cuba, and if so, "that would be devastating, I think, because nobody has weapons in Cuba. All they have are their ideals."
- What ideals do you think Guerra is referring to?
- Do you think economic pressure such as an oil blockade will force change in Cuba that matches those ideals? What would?
Media literacy: What else would you like to know about Cuba to understand the crisis it currently faces?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the following segment on the so-called "Trump Doctrine" on foreign policy. Then discuss —
- Based on what President Trump has done in other countries such as Venezuela and Iran, what action do you think it is likely the administration takes in Cuba?
- How might Cuba be different than other countries that Trump has targeted?
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