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Acknowledgments The genesis of this book lies in an international conference on Cuba at the fiftieth anniversary of its revolution held at Queen’s University in 2009. Organized by Soraya Castro (Havana University), Louis A. Pérez Jr. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Susan Eckstein (Boston University), and me (Catherine Krull, Queen’s University), it included approximately 226 presenters from more than a dozen countries, including 52 from Cuba. But although this book’s intellectual base resides in this conference, this project looks more closely at Cuba’s global issues—its international relations, and internationalist or transnational/diasporic dimensions—and its contributors, some of whom did not attend the conference, have brought decided depth to the issues that they discuss. This depth adds gravitas not only to their own subjects but, collectively , has added decidedly to the intellectual rigor and scholarly exegesis of the volume as a whole. To this end, I would like especially to acknowledge the efforts of three friends and pre-eminent scholars of Cuba who have been essential to this project from beginning to end, integral in terms of their time, advice, and knowledge: John Kirk (Dalhousie University), Louis A. Pérez Jr., and Jean Stubbs (University College London). Their insight and counsel has been integral to the development of this book. Each knows how much I am in their debt, and I want them to know how much I appreciate all that they did. I am also grateful to Soraya Castro for the many discussions on Cuba’s international relations while we organized the conference and edited a special issue of Cuban Studies, both of which played a part in shaping my ideas for this book. I am also indebted to Rob Clark who so patiently and efficiently contributed to editing the chapters as initially submitted. And although the publication of a new book is cause for celebration, this occasion is also marked with sadness and loss. Before its completion, renowned Cuban scholar Professor Max Azicri passed away. It is a considerable honor and privilege to include his final paper in this book. I would like to acknowledge the institutional support that I have received throughout the process of preparing this book. At Queen’s University, John Dixon (Vice-Provost International), Alistair McLean (Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science), Rob Beamish (Sociology Department Head), and Bonnie Stewart (Research Services) were especially supportive. And, as with most of my academic work, I cannot emphasize how critical the never-ending support from Wendy Schuler has been. I also received invaluable support from Havana University, especially from Cristina Díaz López (Vice-Rector of International Relations), Ileana Sorolla Fernández (Director, Center of International Immigration Studies (CEMI), Milagros Martínez Reinosa (Senior Adviser to the Vice Rector of International Relations and Executive Secretary, Department of Caribbean Studies), and Carmen Castillo Herrera (Assistant to the Vice Rector of International Relations). While preparing this manuscript, I had visiting research fellowships at the Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London (July 2011–June 2012) and the Center for Latin American Studies, University of Florida (January–June 2012). Their respective directors, Professor Maxine Molyneux and Professor Philip Williams, both provided places for scholarly contemplation, concentrated writing, and most important, engagement with intellectually inspiring colleagues, all of which have made this volume stronger. I am also grateful for the support that I have received from the staff at the University Press of Florida, and especially acknowledge the support and superb efforts of Associate Director and Editor-in-Chief Amy Gorelick. I am also appreciative of the time and useful feedback that the anonymous reviewers gave to this book. Of course, financial support for this project has been crucial. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has been particularly generous in this regard. Cuba’s rich and complex story has long fascinated me, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage with a number of Cubans who have enriched my life, both professionally and personally. Among them are my dearest friends and their families: Sonia Enjamio (recently deceased ), Lourdes Pérez Montalvo, Inés Rodríguez, Vivien Rocaberti, Alberto Jones, Vanessa Chicola, Aldo Peña, Camillo García, and Alberto Roque Guerra. Their endless patience with me as I grappled with understanding Cuba from a “Cuban perspective” is not only very much appreciated, but has been integral in shaping me as both an individual and a scholar. Finally...

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