As the velocity of reconciliation between the US and Cuba quickens, a recent Pew Research Center survey indicates that Latin Americans approve of the detente and support the end of the US trade embargo. Many Latin Americans surveyed say they expect that Cuba will become more democratic over the next several years. Yet, overall perceptions of Cuba across the six countries surveyed are mixed. Most surprising is that there is little confidence in Cuban President Raul Castro’s capacity to handle international affairs.
The survey covered six Latin American nations (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela) and 6,000 respondents from April 6 to May 8, 2015.
Despite support for an end to the US embargo and normalization of diplomatic relations, Latin Americans are divided on their overall opinion of Cuba. Across the six countries surveyed, a median of 40% have a favorable view of the Caribbean nation, but 44% hold an unfavorable view.