No Secretary of State has ever had the knowledge or understanding of the intrinsic threat communist dictatorships pose to America and the world that Marco Rubio possesses. Cuba and China both share the same goal of destroying America and freedom, and unless one understands this is their main goal, you will never have effective diplomacy.
Rubio as Secretary of State not only changes the direction of U.S. foreign policy for the better, but it has the potential of having the same effect throughout the world.
Michael Lima Cuadra explains in The Bureau:
Marco Rubio’s Mission: Confronting Authoritarianism from Havana to Beijing
Confirming Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State would mark a pivotal shift in U.S. diplomacy, signaling a robust stand against authoritarian regimes worldwide. Known for his unyielding opposition to oppression and his extensive experience on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio would become the first Cuban American and Hispanic to lead U.S. foreign policy. His unique insights into authoritarianism and staunch advocacy for democracy could bring a transformative approach to critical regions, especially Latin America and China.
In Cuba and Latin America, Rubio’s personal and political insights stand out. He has consistently argued that Cuba’s suffering stems not from the U.S. embargo but from its entrenched communist system, rooted in Soviet-era policies and repressive practices. During Trump’s first term, Rubio played a key advisory role in implementing sanctions against the Cuban regime, including restrictions on U.S. companies and citizens engaging in transactions with Cuban military-controlled entities and the designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. If confirmed, Rubio would likely expand this hard-line approach, further isolating the regime and solidifying the U.S. stance against authoritarianism.
A Trump administration with Rubio at the helm of the State Department could introduce transformative policies toward Cuba, making this a particularly critical moment. The autocratic Cuban leadership faces unprecedented challenges: lacking a powerful sponsor like the Soviet Union or Hugo Chavez, dwindling Venezuelan oil shipments, and domestic unrest marked by widespread pro-democracy protests. With over 89% of Cubans reportedly living in extreme poverty and more than 91% opposing the regime, the country faces a perfect storm of economic crises, political opposition, and social instability. A U.S. administration committed to maximum pressure on Cuba could further disrupt any succession plans within the Castro regime and destabilize its grip on power.
However, Rubio’s focus extends beyond Cuba and Latin America. He has called for increased U.S. support for Venezuela’s democratic opposition and, if confirmed, would likely urge continued recognition of Edmundo González as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, challenging Maduro’s rule. Rubio’s approach aligns with Trump’s emphasis on deterrence over compromise and on addressing the broader authoritarian alliances across Latin America, where Havana, Caracas, and Managua often operate with the aid of criminal cartels involved in human trafficking and other illicit activities.
Rubio’s perspective on global threats widens with China, which he considers the most significant long-term challenge to U.S. interests. He warns of China’s expanding military and technological capabilities and has criticized the Biden administration’s approach, arguing that China’s quest for global dominance poses a serious threat to the U.S., especially as it establishes a foothold in the Western Hemisphere by controlling critical infrastructure like ports and mines. As Secretary of State, Rubio would likely push for a more assertive stance on China, including strengthening alliances with nations vulnerable to Chinese influence and actively countering its encroachment in Latin America and beyond.
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