That’s why we’re extending an invitation to Ben Rhodes to join the podcast and discuss a question that matters to millions of Cubans on and off the island: What is the ultimate goal for Cuba?

For us, the answer is simple: freedom, democracy, and the right of Cubans to determine their own future. We welcome respectful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and a fact-based discussion about the realities facing the Cuban people. Ben, our invitation is open.

The episode traces the rise of a criminal ecosystem, the links between Havana and Caracas, and the threat this network poses to democracies and electoral integrity in the Americas.

Ambassador Otto Reich traces the history from the Cold War to today, explains the role of public diplomacy, and makes the case that Cuba functions as a criminal organization undermining democracies and regional security.

Costa contrasts Cuba’s lost prosperity with its current corruption and humanitarian crisis, explains how the regime markets itself abroad, and argues for a return to free markets, property rights, and political freedom to restore Cuba’s future.

The interview combines first-hand experience, historical context, and urgent warnings about Cuba’s ongoing threat to regional stability and human rights.

We trace the impact on public health data, national security, and the broader criminal ecosystem linking rogue states, trafficking, and geopolitical influence.

We trace the impact on public health data, national security, and the broader criminal ecosystem linking rogue states, trafficking, and geopolitical influence.

It explains the historical roots, contemporary alliances with Venezuela and Russia, and the real security consequences for the United States and the wider world.

The episode examines the intersection of geopolitics, organized crime, and state actors, tracing how these networks evolved over decades and how they continue to impact regions across Latin America and beyond.