November 7, 2005
UM’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies Names Cuban Specialist Brian Latell as Senior Research Associate
Coral Gables, Fl – University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) has named distinguished Cuban analyst and recent author of the book “After Fidel:The Inside Story of Castro’s Regime and Cuba’s Next Leader” Brian Latell as a senior research associate.
Beginning in the spring semester, Latell, who worked for the CIA for 20 years and has advised American and foreign presidents on Cuba and Fidel Castro, will work at ICCAS on issues related to Cuba. He will also collaborate with UM’s Center for Hemispheric Policy on issues related to Latin America, he said.
Latell, who taught at Georgetown University, plans to also co-teach a course with assistant provost Andy Gómez on “Cuba After Castro.” In its second year, this Miami Semester course, to be offered during the summer will walk students through different possible scenarios that could take place in the island, after Castro either dies or is too old or feeble to maintain power.
“I’m very excited to join the Institute at this time,’’ said Latell. “It is timely given all that is happening in Cuba and in Latin America.”
“I am delighted to bring Brian Latell on board,’’ said Jaime Suchlicki, ICCAS director. “His great knowledge of the Cuban political landscape and his insights on the Castro brothers will be invaluable as we prepare for a possible succession or transition of power in the island.”
In his latest book, he takes a probing look at the complex yet lasting relationship between the Castro brothers and comes to the conclusion that each has been his brother’s keeper. Fidel Castro has picked his brother Raul as his successor, so Latell’s book serves as an important analysis of what may come after Castro’s passing.
During his stay at UM, Latell will write a monthly analysis of Cuba for the Cuba Transition Project and start writing another book on the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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