Cold War Puerto Rico

Saturday 20 June, 2pm

Birmingham People’s History Archive
Birmingham & Midland Institute
9 Margaret Street, B3 3BS
http://www.bpha.online

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Steve Howell is a journalist, author and former communications consultant.

His latest book – Cold War Puerto Rico – examines the dissonance between American democratic rhetoric and the imperial reality of Washington’s dealings with its Caribbean colony. Focusing on the period from the 1945 to 1970, it shows how the US gave the island the appearance of autonomy while using repressive measures, orchestrated by the FBI, to silence activists and political parties pushing for full independence. https://www.steve-howell.com/cold-war-puerto-rico/

“Howell’s story of state surveillance and suppression — and of the costs Washington is willing to incur to hold a Caribbean stronghold — is more instructive now than ever. Not only is the island being militarized as a modern corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, revived as the United States tries to consolidate control over the Americas; Howell’s account of Hoover’s rogue FBI — its intimidation, interference, and visa denials — also strongly echoes the tactics of the current administration. As Puerto Rico is once again enlisted in the service of American power, Howell’s book makes clear how little the underlying terms of that relationship have changed.”

https://jacobin.com/2026/05/puerto-rico-us-colonialism-howell

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cold-war-puerto-rico-with-steve-howell-tickets-1991355211042?