Wayne Smith (diplomat)

Wayne Smith (1932-2024) was a prominent American diplomat and scholar, best known for his advocacy for improved relations between the United States and Cuba. He served as Chief of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana from 1979 to 1982, during the Carter and Reagan administrations.

Smith was a vocal critic of the long-standing U.S. embargo against Cuba, arguing that it was counterproductive and had failed to achieve its goals. He believed that engagement and dialogue were more effective tools for promoting positive change in Cuba. He often pointed out the detrimental effects the embargo had on the Cuban people.

Following his departure from the Foreign Service, Smith became a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington, D.C., where he continued to research and write extensively on U.S.-Cuba relations. He authored several books and articles on the subject, including "The Closest of Enemies: A Personal and Diplomatic History of the Castro Era" (1987), which provided a detailed account of his experiences in Cuba and his perspectives on the complexities of the U.S.-Cuba relationship.

Throughout his career, Smith engaged in numerous debates and discussions on Cuba policy, often challenging prevailing views and advocating for a more nuanced and pragmatic approach. He was a respected voice in the academic and policy communities, and his work contributed significantly to the ongoing dialogue about U.S.-Cuba relations. His passing in 2024 marked the loss of a significant figure in the history of U.S.-Cuba diplomacy and scholarship.