Americas Society hosted a conversation and reading featuring Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco, recipient of the prestigious Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and the featured poet at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in January 2013, as well as Gustavo Pérez Firmat, acclaimed author and cultural critic (The Havana Habit). During the event, Blanco read "Betting on America" from his most recent book, Looking for The Gulf Motel (2012).

Americas Quarterly and Efecto Naím aired another joint report on March 18, 2013 focusing on reforms in Cuba. AS/COA's Senior Policy Director Christopher Sabatini interviewed Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez on the prospects for economic reform and political reconciliation in Cuba. (en español)

President Raúl Castro’s announcement of his last 5-year term ending on 2018 has raised hopes of a post-Castro era and of a succeeding younger Cuban leadership. AS/COA’s Eric Farnsworth speaks to BBC World News about Castro’s statement as the island undergoes significant political and economic changes. “They’re signaling that there does need to be a transition at some point in the future and I think he’s laying the groundwork for that,” Farnsworth said.

AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini spoke to FOXNews.com about Cuba's migratory reform and its potential for change on the island. Due to go into effect on January 14, the new policy lifts the requirement for Cubans to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. Sabatini explained that the change stems from a need to generate hard currency and remittances and to "skim off public frustration" over lack of structural reforms. "It is progress in the sense that more Cubans will be able to travel," he said, but warned the government can still limit travel by controlling the issuing of passports. Sabatini explained that more Cubans may emigrate to the United States through third countries, since the "wet foot, dry foot" policy allows Cubans who enter by land to gain residency.

Americas Society y Council of the Americas recibieron en su sede de Nueva York a la Secretaria de Estado Adjunta para Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental, Roberta S. Jacobson, quien se refirió a la política estadounidense en temas puntuales como las relaciones con Venezuela, Cuba y México. En la misma ocasión el Director Principal de Política de AS/COA, Christopher Sabatini, expresó que “hablamos sobre la nueva etapa donde los países de América Latina están creciendo y están alcanzando niveles globales, y eso genera más oportunidades de colaboración entre el gobierno de Estados Unidos y los gobiernos latinoamericanos”.