Jorge I. Dominguez from Center Harbor, New Hampshire, is a writer and publisher with a PhD in political science from Harvard University and BA in history from Yale College. He has held various positions at Harvard, including professor, center director, vice provost for international affairs, and chair of the Harvard Academy. As a writer and publisher, Jorge I. Dominguez has written books on social policy and decentralization in Cuba.

In recent years, Cuba has been modernizing its economic and social policies. However, its government has a history of centralization and a limited understanding of decentralization models such as federalism (where power is divided between central and regional governments) and devolved governance (where more power and responsibility are given to local authorities). Centralization risks significant implications on social policy as local communities may not have the autonomy to address social issues efficiently.

Despite the limited resources and unequal distribution, there has been a shift towards some modest decentralized policy implementation, indicating progress from previous centralized approaches. Cuban social policy is evolving towards some targeted programs while preserving universal access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

However, Cuba must address several key divides in social policy (relative to the US-Cuba policy) for decentralization to succeed. The book “Social Policies and Decentralization in Cuba” points out several divides, including the nation’s growing income inequality, and the disparities in access to resources and opportunities (e.g., education and healthcare) in Havana compared to the rest of Cuba. It also shows the disconnect that arises between the Cuban government and its citizens, arising from the government implementing policies and imposing them on the population from the top down rather than involving them in the decision-making process.