On Thursday, Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, captured an unusual diplomatic moment by joining a street domino game with young locals in Camagüey. The U.S. Embassy shared this event on its official X account (formerly known as Twitter), featuring a video of Hammer approaching the street domino table and accepting the invitation to play. "Do you know how to play dominoes?" one asked. "Of course!" Hammer replied, before politely allowing his partner to start the game.
"A group of young folks in Camagüey invited me to my first domino game in Cuba—what a fun experience! Guess who won?" Hammer wrote in a lighthearted manner, showcasing the spirit of engagement that has marked his recent visits across the island. This scene is part of a broader initiative by Hammer since arriving in Havana, where he has engaged in dialogues not only with ordinary citizens but also with activists and opposition figures like José Daniel Ferrer, Guillermo Fariñas, and Martha Beatriz Roque.
"I want to talk to anyone willing to share their perspectives," Hammer recently stated, highlighting the importance of listening directly to the Cuban people. During his visit to Villa Clara, he met with families of political prisoners, human rights activists, and members of the Ladies in White movement, reaffirming the United States' commitment to fundamental freedoms and condemning political persecution on the island.
His presence in iconic places such as the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre and his willingness to engage in face-to-face dialogue with Cubans from various walks of life have attracted both interest and discomfort from the Cuban regime, which has accused him of meddling in internal affairs. Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the Deputy Foreign Minister, accused Hammer of acting like "an activist encouraging Cubans to act against their country," justifying repressive measures as a defense against a "hostile foreign power."
The informal gesture of playing dominoes in the street reinforces his message of direct connection with the Cuban people and aims to establish a straightforward dialogue with Cuban civil society. Despite ongoing political tensions, Hammer is committed to a grassroots diplomacy approach. His visit to Camagüey leaves an image that surpasses the headlines: that of a foreign diplomat sharing games and laughter in a Cuban neighborhood.
A Fresh Take on Diplomacy Through Dominoes
Mike Hammer's decision to play dominoes with young Camagüey residents can be seen as a modern Cuban twist on the famous "ping pong diplomacy" employed by the United States and China in the 1970s to foster a connection between two ideologically opposed superpowers.
The "ping pong diplomacy" began in 1971, when an unexpected exchange between U.S. and Chinese table tennis players paved the way for Richard Nixon's historic visit to Beijing. This soft, informal gesture, rich in symbolic value, broke years of isolation and mutual distrust, illustrating how cultural or sports exchanges can strategically warm diplomatic relations.
In a similar spirit, Hammer, by engaging in a game of dominoes—a cultural staple in Cuba—with young Camagüeyans, sends a message that goes beyond official statements: the United States seeks to connect with the Cuban people through everyday, human experiences. It's not just about formal meetings or embassy speeches, but about sitting on a corner, meeting eyes, and sharing a game and a conversation.
Unlike the 1970s context, Hammer operates amid a bilateral relationship fraught with tension, official scrutiny, and open rejection from the Cuban government. However, much like the ping pong game, dominoes emerges as an unconventional diplomatic tool aimed at opening avenues for understanding and direct communication.
In essence, the American diplomat's gesture can be seen as an attempt at "domino diplomacy": a bid to build bridges through cultural respect, social proximity, and political empathy—a strategy that heightens the concerns of State Security with this diplomat who has chosen to break the traditional molds of the State Department's conduct in dealings with the Cuban regime.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations Through Cultural Diplomacy
What is the significance of Mike Hammer's domino game in Camagüey?
Mike Hammer's participation in a domino game in Camagüey symbolizes a new approach to diplomacy, aiming to connect with the Cuban people through cultural and human interactions rather than formal dialogues alone.
How does "domino diplomacy" relate to "ping pong diplomacy"?
"Domino diplomacy" is a modern adaptation of the "ping pong diplomacy" concept, using cultural games like dominoes to foster connections and break down barriers, similar to how table tennis was used between the U.S. and China in the 1970s.
Why has the Cuban government reacted negatively to Hammer's actions?
The Cuban government views Mike Hammer's actions as interference in internal affairs, accusing him of inciting Cubans to act against their government, thus creating tension in U.S.-Cuba relations.