The resumption of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba marked a historic milestone in a relationship that had been fraught with tension since the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The estrangement began when the U.S. imposed an economic embargo on Cuba in 1960, and diplomatic ties were severed. Negotiations to normalize relations began in 2014 under the administration of President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro, indicating a willingness from both sides to engage diplomatically. The lifting of restrictions allowed for renewed dialogue, trade, and travel between the two nations after decades of isolation and discord.

On July 20, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry made a historic trip to Havana, where he presided over the ceremony to officially reopen the U.S. Embassy. The event included the raising of the American flag at the embassy, a potent symbol of reconciliation and cooperation. This was a significant moment in U.S.-Cuba relations, as it was the first time since the 1960s that the U.S. had a diplomatic presence on the island. The easing of tensions brought hope for improved relations, and various partnerships in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges were anticipated as the two nations entered a new chapter.

Reestablishing these diplomatic links represented a meaningful shift in U.S. foreign policy, as it sought to engage rather than isolate Cuba. The shift was met with both optimism and skepticism, as many in the U.S. were concerned about human rights issues in Cuba, while Cubans themselves expressed both caution and hope for future economic benefits. The resumption of diplomacy also had implications for regional politics in Latin America and the Caribbean, potentially influencing other nations' approaches to Cuba.