"A critical evaluation of a new era in American Indian policy"

Over the past twenty years, American Indian policy has shifted from self-determination to "forced federalism," as indigenous nations in the United States have encountered new threats from state and local governments over such issues as taxation, gaming, and homeland security. During the forced federalism era (1988-present), public perceptions of indigenous peoples as "rich Indians" have been just as damaging to Native nations as anti-sovereignty legislation. This book examines how state governments have manipulated "rich Indian" images when setting policies targeting indigenous peoples and discusses how indigenous nations have responded politically to these contemporary threats to their nationhood.

Drawing on original survey data collected from Native governments from 1994 to 2000 and on interviews with Chief Chad Smith of the Cherokee Nation as well as other indigenous leaders, Jeff Corntassel and Richard C. Witmer II examine the power dynamics of the indigenous-state compacting system, and show how electoral activism among indigenous peoples has increased their political power while also giving rise to "rich Indian racism" among non-Indians--especially in the wake of the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act.

The authors warn that current widespread Native participation in non-Native politics is undermining both the political and the cultural foundations of indigenous nationhood, especially as the American culture of money gains influence in Native politics. They also offer specific strategies for regenerating indigenous communities in order to meet future challenges to their nationhood.

At the end of President Barack Obama's second term, it seemed that the U.S. and Cuba might be on track to normalize relations after five decades of cold war animus. These hopes appeared dashed, however, by the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which brought to power a candidate that campaigned on undoing Obama's signature policies, including the rapprochement with Cuba. Several years into the Trump administration there are still several pathways that these two neighboring countries could take to either continue the rapprochement, extend the status quo, or drift further apart. Although it is not entirely clear which direction the bilateral relationship will take, given the varied and divergent political pressures that drive each of the two nations, it is clear that several key opportunities and challenges await them. Drawing insight from the political, economic, and legal spheres, this book examines possible pathways for the two cold war adversaries. Key among the issues that demand attention are unresolved property claims dating back to the 1959 revolution, establishing regularized bilateral economic relationships in multiple sectors of the economy, as well as addressing a variety of legal and political constraints in both Cuba and the United States. This volume tackles these issues by drawing on the expertise of scholars in three distinct fields-political science, economics, and law-while positing viable policy choices and the opportunities and challenges found therein.