Authoritarian capitalism a real threat to liberal democracy

Brahma Chellaney looks to China to demonstrate that Cuba’s economic opening does not necessarily indicate a move towards democracy    

AS US President Barack Obama prepares to embark on an historic visit to Cuba, the future of the communist-ruled island is the subject of widespread speculation.

Some observers are hoping that the ongoing shift toward capitalism, which has been occurring very gradually for five years under Raúl Castro’s direction, will naturally lead Cuba toward democracy. Experience suggests otherwise.