Originally posted by Patrick Pillow at the Libertarian Institute: With Cuba seemingly becoming the next focus for the Trump administration, it is worth looking into previous efforts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the country. Today, we turn toward the agency’s connection with Cuban hip-hop. In 2008, USAID launched the Cuban Civil Society Support Program, an initiative focused on supporting independent organizations and building communication networks on the island. Implemented by Creative Associates International, the four-year program ran until 2012. While presented as a democracy promotion initiative, internal documents revealed efforts to support artists and organizations viewed as potential challenges to the Cuban government. Through the social media network TalentoCubano.net, Cuban musicians were promoted to the public. Publicly, the website presented itself as a platform to showcase Cuban musicians, featuring artist profiles, news, events, and online radio. With over two hundred artists on the platform, contractors hoped to connect young Cubans into a “social movement.” The project was more than just online networking. Participants were brought into workshops focused on web development, video production, and project management in locations such as Amsterdam and Madrid. While presented as cultural exchanges, reports described them as a “great cover story for the authorities on the island.” In order to obscure the program’s origins, contractors reportedly used codenames, encrypted communications, and cover stories while funding was conducted through a front company in Panama with internal documents identifying the company as B&S Salida Inc. Through official documents, Creative Associates International was paid millions of dollars to support Cuban musicians who could challenge the government. Led by Rajko Bozic, the project was modeled after the student protest ...
TThe Daily Bell