The Dominican Republic (DR) has emerged as a notable success story in the Caribbean, particularly in contrast to its neighbor, Cuba. With 11 million tourists visiting in 2023, the DR's tourism sector has become a cornerstone of its economy, especially in popular resort areas like Punta Cana. The capital, Santo Domingo, is rich in history, featuring sites such as Columbus' first settlement, which attracts visitors from around the world [d4b16d59].
The DR's trajectory changed significantly following the 1965 civil war, which prompted a US intervention involving 22,500 Marines ordered by President Lyndon Johnson. This military presence is credited with preventing the DR from becoming another Cuba after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Since then, the country has experienced a series of free elections and robust economic growth, with its GDP tripling the regional average [d4b16d59].
Notably, approximately 2.8 million people have risen out of poverty, showcasing the impact of sustained economic development. In stark contrast, Cuba's GDP fell by 1.9% in 2023, highlighting the struggles faced by the island in terms of economic freedom [d4b16d59]. The DR has become the 64th largest economy globally, with significant contributions from foreign investment, particularly in the tourism sector. Major US firms, such as Colgate-Palmolive, play a vital role as employers in the DR [d4b16d59].
Additionally, the DR's economy benefits from baseball exports, with players like Juan Soto securing record contracts that contribute to national pride and economic growth [d4b16d59]. The US intervention in the 1960s is often viewed as a pivotal moment that fostered democracy and economic prosperity in the Dominican Republic, allowing it to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued Cuba for decades [d4b16d59].
In summary, the Dominican Republic's successful navigation of its post-intervention era contrasts sharply with Cuba's ongoing economic challenges, illustrating the long-term effects of US foreign policy in the region [d4b16d59].
