RealClear Radio Hour: Greek Goodbye & Cuban Revolutionary

This week on RealClear Radio Hour we discuss Greece and Cuba, two countries whose vastly different governments have inflicted similar human suffering and struggle.

My first guest is Elena Panaritis, founder of Thought for Action, former World Bank economist and special advisor to the Greek PASOK government. Elena faults cronyist political systems and the special interests that thrive under them as the major obstacles to reform. Panaritis argues Greece is the canary in the coal mine for dysfunctional states throughout the European Union, and expects new austerity plans and devaluation in the coming years.

In the second half of the show, I sit down with Carlos Alberto Montaner, journalist and author of dozens of books, including “The Cubans: The History of Cuba in One Lesson.” Carlos shares how he escaped a 20-year prison sentence by the Castro regime on false charges of being a CIA agent, going on to become one of the Castro’s most impactful critics. Montaner discusses the lasting legacy of the Castro brothers and their failed efforts to export Communist revolution.

You can hear from both of our guests this week by listening to the full show as-aired on iTunes, or you can check out the individual podcasts hosted on YouTube and SoundCloud.

Make sure to check back next week for another episode of RealClear Radio Hour. Don’t forget to like RealClear Radio Hour on Facebook here and follow us on Twitter here.