Tournament: Harvard | Round: 1 | Opponent: Bronx Science TD | Judge: Ryan Carrelli

1AC Lex the Real LM

Plan

Plan: The United States federal government should substantially increase joint oil cooperation towards Cuba. 

Contention 1 is Drilling

Countries having difficulty reaching Cuba’s oil – using dangerous methods near coral reef "Gardens of the Queen" – time is now to solve Cuba’s energy dependence
Reuters 5-29 ~"Cuban oil hopes sputter as Russians give up for now on well," Reuters, May 29^th 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/29/cuba-oil-idUSL2N0EA00W20130529, Accessed 12-3-13~ ZS

HAVANA, May 29 (Reuters) - Russian state-owned oil company Zarubezhneft
AND
It is going to be extremely challenging (for Cuba)," he said.

Scenario 1 is Biodiversity
Attempted Cuban offshore drilling is inevitable – only a rapid response with US expertise can prevent catastrophes
Bert and Clayton 12 (Captain Melissa –2011-2012 Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard, and Blake – Fellow for Energy and National Security, "Addressing the Risk of a Cuban Oil Spill", March, http://www.cfr.org/cuba/addressing-risk-cuban-oil-spill/p27515)
Defending U.S. Interests An oil well blowout in Cuban waters would almost
AND
the United States risks a second Deepwater Horizon, this time from Cuba.

Gardens of the Queen uniquely sustains both US and Caribbean biodiversity – no alt causes
Waitt Foundation 12 – Ocean Conservation Organization ~founded by Ted Waitt, "Cuba’s Unique Marine Resources," Waitt Foundation, September 28, 2012, http://waittfoundation.org/cubas-unique-marine-resources-http://waittfoundation.org/cubas-unique-marine-resources, Accessed 12-3-13~ ZS

Corals in the Gardens of the Queen may be more resilient than elsewhere due to
AND
along the southeast U.S. and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf is a key to ocean biodiversity
Brenner 8 – Jorge Brenner, March 14th, 2008, "Guarding the Gulf of Mexico’s valuable resources" www.scidev.net/en/opinions/guarding-the-gulf-of-mexico-s-valuable-resources.html
Rich in biodiversity and habitats¶ The Gulf of Mexico is rich in biodiversity and
AND
in the North Atlantic that helps to regulate the climate of western Europe.
Biodiversity key to prevent total extinction
Clark and Downes 6
Dana Clark, Center for International Environmental Law, and David Downes, US Interior Dept. Policy Analysis Senior Trade Advisor, 2006, What price biodiversity?, http://www.ciel.org/Publications/summary.html
Biodiversity is the diversity of life on earth, on which we depend for our
AND
we lose the opportunity for mental or spiritual rejuvenation through contact with nature.
Scenario 2 is Energy
Cuba lacks energy now – drilling without US will inevitably fail
LaGesse 12 (David, Staff @ National Geographic, "Cuba’s Oil Quest to Continue, Despite Deepwater Disappointment," http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/11/121119-cuba-oil-quest/)**

But an energy-poor Cuba also has its risks. One of the chief
AND
has left Cubans with insufficient resources and inexperience with high-tech gear.

Cuba using oil for electricity now-They just don’t have enough
PInon 1/21 (Jorge, Visiting Research Fellow with the Cuban Research institute at Florida international University and former president of amoco oil Latin America, advisor to the Brookings institution task Force on U.S.-Cuba Relations, "The Future of Cuban Oil Prospecting," Havana Times, 1/24/14, http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=101444)

The mere 1 percent increase in oil extraction afforded by Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR
AND
made up of CUPET and Venezuela’s State-run oil company, PDVSA.
All individuals deserve electricity access – we have an obligation to rectify the government’s failure to provide energy to the poor
Tully 6 – former BP Postdoctoral Fellow of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for the Analysis of Risk and Regulation and of the Law Department of the London School of Economics and Political Science
(Stephen, "The Human Right to Access Electricity," The Electricity Journal vol 19 issue 3, April 2006, pg 30-39, dml)

Characterizing electricity as an essential civic service implies that governments are expected to provide access
AND
human needs enjoys priority above directly productive but competing agricultural or industrial applications.

The energy-oppressed poor experience hell on a daily basis
Driessen 6 – senior policy advisor for the Congress of Racial Equality and Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), and author of Eco-Imperialism: Green power and Black death
(Paul, "Nuclear to the rescue", http://www.maninnature.com/Energy/Nuclear/Nuclear1a.html-http://www.maninnature.com/Energy/Nuclear/Nuclear1a.html, dml) 

No wonder. Without electricity, modern life reverts to her childhood: no lights
AND
minimal manufacturing and commerce – and impoverished countries forever dependent on foreign aid.
The right to energy is uniquely key to assist and empower women living in poverty
Clancy, Skutsch, and Batchelor 2 – *a Reader in technology transfer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, Senior
Lecturer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, AND *Director of Gamos Ltd
(Joy, Margaret, and Simon, "The Gender-Energy-Poverty Nexus: Finding the energy to address gender concerns in development," http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000378/P342_Skutsch_Batchelor.pdf-http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000378/P342_Skutsch_Batchelor.pdf, dml)

This paper set out to examine the question as to whether we have the energy
AND
as energy entrepreneurs and as managers of forests for sustainable biomass fuel supply. 

Patriarchy causes war, environmental destruction—justifies violence
Warren 26 Cady 94 ~Professors of Philosophy at Macalester College 26 Hamline University Karen and Duane, "Hypatia", Spring, 1994. Proquest~
The notion of patriarchy as a socially dysfunctional system enables feminist philosophers to show why
AND
women, which many feminists see as the logical outgrowth of patriarchal thinking. 

Contention 2 is Relations

Now is key - Relations remain low and unoptimistic despite reforms made by Castro regime.
Starr 13 ~Pamela K Starr, Professor of international relations at USC and research fellow at the Pacific Council on International Policy, May 2013, "As Cuba Changes, U.S. Policy Does Not", Pacific Council on International Policy, https://www.pacificcouncil.org/document.doc?id=539-https://www.pacificcouncil.org/document.doc?id=539~~
Precisely where these changes will take Cuba and how quickly is not obvious, but
AND
government to change the nature of current U.S.-Cuban relations.

Cooperative drilling is critical for relations – energy has strategic significance for both countries
Grogg 12 – IPS (Patricia, citing Luiz Rene Fernandez, Senior Research and Professor at University of Havana in International Economics, "Cuba: Oil Drilling Opens Up New Possibilities", 2/16, http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/02/cuba-oil-drilling-opens-up-new-possibilities/-http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/02/cuba-oil-drilling-opens-up-new-possibilities/)//SEP
The search for oil in Cuba’s Gulf of Mexico waters, launched by the Spanish
AND
doubt. But the benefits of cooperation definitely outweigh them," Fernández concluded.

Scenario 1 is Warming
Cuba is key to US-Latin American Relations-specifically spills-over to global cooperation on warming – overcomes alt causes
Shifter 12 
(Michael is an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council’s journal Foreign Affairs. He serves as the President of Inter-American Dialogue. "Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America," April, IAD Policy Report, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

Cuba, too, poses a significant challenge for relations between the United States and
AND
consultation and collaboration on a new, more effective approach to the problem.
Climate change exacerbates every scenario for social injustice
Cuomo 11 (Chris J Cuomo, PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, activist, professor of philosophy and women’s studies at the University of Georgia, Fall 2011, "Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Responsibility," Hypatia Volume 26, Issue 4, pp 690-714, http://academia.edu/attachments/9105834/download_file)
Climate change was manufactured in a crucible of inequality, for it is a product
AND
surprisingly, their vulnerabilities are also shaped by norms of sex and gender.
Best methodology shows status quo will push us past the tipping point – causes extinction
Guterl 12 – Executive Editor of Scientific American, expert in Climate and Environment, Science Policy, citing James Hanson, a NASA scientist (Fred, "Climate Armageddon: How the World’s Weather Could Quickly Run Amok", 5/25/12;  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-worlds-weather-could-quickly-run-amok)
The world has warmed since those heady days of Gaia, and scientists have grown
AND
scope, that could make a rapid transition from one state to another.
Scenario 2 is Democracy
Stronger regionalism is vital to effective democracy promotion
Inter-American Dialogue 12 - the Inter-American Dialogue is the leading US center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs("Remaking the Relationship The United States and Latin America", April 2012, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

The democratic outlook in the Americas is on balance positive, particularly when compared with
AND
US concern about human rights violations, would be an important first step.

Latin American democracy key to global democracy
Hillman, 2 – Ph.D., Professor and Director, Institute for the Study of Democracy and Human Rights, St. John Fisher College (Richard S., Democracy and Human Rights in Latin Americai, Preface, p. vii) SP

Latin American experiences, especially in the areas of democratization and human rights protection,
AND
human rights have definitively entered the political lexicon and discourse throughout the world.

Democracy prevents genocide, environmental destruction and war
Diamond 1995 - Hoover Institute Senior Fellow (Larry, "Promoting Democracy in the 1990s," http://wwics.si.edu/subsites/ccpdc/pubs/di/fr.htm) 

This hardly exhausts the lists of threats to our security and well-being in
AND
which a new world order of international security and prosperity can be built.

Contention 3 is Credibility

Concessions to Cuba are uniquely key to Obama’s credibility – it’s perception based
French 10 (Anya, Director for the U.S.-Cuba Policy Initiative at the New America Foundation, "Stiffing Havana," http://cuba.newamerica.net/publications/articles/2010/stiffing_havana_38758)
In the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, bluffing is a seldom-
AND
influence at this pivotal moment, the time to engage Cuba is now.

Obama’s credibility key to solve social injustices and poverty
Wartell 10 (Sarah Rosen, Degree in urban affairs from Princeton, J.D. from Yale, 3rd president of the Urban Institute, Co-founded the Center for American Progress, Deputy assistant for economic policy under Bill Clinton, formerly a Deputy Assistant Security at the Federal Housing Administration, formerly a visiting scholar/adjunct professor at Georgetown, "The Power of the President", November 2010, http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/11/pdf/executive_orders.pdf-http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/11/pdf/executive_orders.pdf  Accessed 9/22/2013)

There are many federal government programs designed to support the needs of  low-income
AND
federal level into models for long-lasting state  and local collaboration efforts.

Contention 4 is Solvency

First is Impact Framing
My partner and I are interested in a more productive type of debate—one where we talk about issues relevant to the world and solutions relevant to the issues for a more educational debate space. This means that logical and likely arguments should be evaluated before obscure hypotheticals.  
The "any risk" logic of magnitude first impacts would make all decision making impossible—evaluate probability first
Meskill 2009 (David, professor at Colorado School of Mines and PhD from Harvard, "The "One Percent Doctrine" and Environmental Faith," Dec 9, http://davidmeskill.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-percent-doctrine-and-environmental.html)
Tom Friedman’s piece today in the Times on the environment (http://www.
AND
looming apocalypse, with the time (just barely) to take action.

1AC allows for a more genuine political sphere – an examination of social injustice allows for a more informed vision of policy making
Pelton 05, Leroy H. Pelton professor in and former director of the School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Frames of Justice, 2005, pages 67, MC 26 JS

Certainly, social science’s seat at the policy table has become well entrenched. I
AND
not abide violations of the individual for the sake of some aggregate good.
Second is No
 No war: Economic interdependence checks– all who disagree misevaluate data
Deudney and Ikenberry, 09 — MA and PhD in Political Science, Professor, Political Science, Johns Hopkins University; PhD, Professor, International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University (Daniel and G. John, January/February 2009, "The Myth of the Autocratic Revival: Why Liberal Democracy Will Prevail," Foreign Affairs Volume 88, Issue 1,ProQuest, Hensel)

This bleak outlook is based on an exaggeration of recent developments andignores powerful countervailing factors
AND
international system is far more primed for peace than the autocratic revivalists acknowledge.

Rights and International Relations both check war – peace is here to stay
Even if war does occur, it will never involve great powers – rationality checks
Tepperman 9 Deputy Editor of Newsweek, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, now Managing Editor of Foreign Affairs, holds a B.A. in English Literature from Yale University, an M.A. in Jurisprudence from Oxford University, and an LL.M. in International Law from New York University(Jonathan, "Why Obama Should Learn to Love the Bomb," 8/28/09, http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/08/28/why-obama-should-learn-to-love-the-bomb.html)//AM

These efforts are all grounded in the same proposition: that, as Obama has
AND
each instance, very different leaders all came to the same safe conclusion.
Third is Yes
Cuba says yes- the plan is in Cuba’s best interest
CDA 09 (The Center for Democracy In the Americas, an independent non-profit committed to the development of better US policy towards and relations with the Americas, "21^st Century Cuba: As Cuba plans to drill in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. policy poses needless risks to our national interest", democracyinamericas.org, February 2011, http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf-http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf)

6. Cuba would welcome U.S. investment.¶ At MINCEX, the
AND
, due to the ¶ embargo, and Cuba looked for partners elsewhere.
Plan is effective, topical, and US firms would say "yes".
Benjamin-Alvarado ’10 (Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, "Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation," a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 125-26)

There are numerous areas in the energy sector in which the United States and Cuba
AND
changes in the Cuban embargo so that this type of engagement can occur.

Tournament: Lakeland | Round: 1 | Opponent: McDonough PJ | Judge: Kevon Haughton
1AC Lakeland
Plan
Plan: The United States federal government should substantially increase joint oil cooperation towards Cuba. 

Contention 1 is Drilling
Scenario 1 is Spills
Countries having difficulty reaching Cuba’s oil – using dangerous methods near coral reef “Gardens of the Queen” – time is now to solve Cuba’s energy dependence
Reuters 5-29 “Cuban oil hopes sputter as Russians give up for now on well,” Reuters, May 29th 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/29/cuba-oil-idUSL2N0EA00W20130529, Accessed 12-3-13 ZS

HAVANA, May 29 (Reuters) - Russian state-owned oil company Zarubezhneft
AND
It is going to be extremely challenging (for Cuba)," he said.
Attempted Cuban offshore drilling is inevitable – only a rapid response with US expertise can prevent catastrophes
Bert and Clayton 12 (Captain Melissa –2011-2012 Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard, and Blake – Fellow for Energy and National Security, “Addressing the Risk of a Cuban Oil Spill”, March, http://www.cfr.org/cuba/addressing-risk-cuban-oil-spill/p27515)
Defending U.S. Interests An oil well blowout in Cuban waters would almost
AND
the United States risks a second Deepwater Horizon, this time from Cuba.

Gardens of the Queen uniquely sustains both US and Caribbean biodiversity – no alt causes
Waitt Foundation 12 – Ocean Conservation Organization founded by Ted Waitt, “Cuba’s Unique Marine Resources,” Waitt Foundation, September 28, 2012, http://waittfoundation.org/cubas-unique-marine-resources, Accessed 12-3-13 ZS

Corals in the Gardens of the Queen may be more resilient than elsewhere due to
AND
along the southeast U.S. and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gardens of the Queen key to promote ecological awareness – protects biodiversity
Taub Referencing 60 Minutes 12 – Boston Magazine Journalist Lindsey, freelance writer/editor, “Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen: the Key to Coral Conservation?,” Lindsey Taub’s Blog, January 3, 2012, http://www.lindsaytaub.com/2012/01/cubas-gardens-of-the-queen-the-key-to-coral-conservation/, Accessed 12-3-13 ZS

Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen: the Key to Coral Conservation? I am rarely
AND
will continue to follow the issue closely. Here’s hoping you do too!
The Gulf is key to ocean biodiversity
Brenner 8 – Jorge Brenner, Marc h 14th, 2008, "Guarding the Gulf of Mexico's valuable resources" www.scidev.net/en/opinions/guarding-the-gulf-of-mexico-s-valuable-resources.html
Rich in biodiversity and habitats¶ The Gulf of Mexico is rich in biodiversity and
AND
in the North Atlantic that helps to regulate the climate of western Europe.
Biodiversity key to prevent total extinction
Clark and Downes 6
Dana Clark, Center for International Environmental Law, and David Downes, US Interior Dept. Policy Analysis Senior Trade Advisor, 2006, What price biodiversity?, http://www.ciel.org/Publications/summary.html
Biodiversity is the diversity of life on earth, on which we depend for our
AND
. And, we lose the opportunity for mental or spiritual rejuvenation through con

Scenario 2 is Energy
Cuba lacks energy now – drilling without US will inevitably fail
LaGesse 12 (David, Staff @ National Geographic, "Cuba's Oil Quest to Continue, Despite Deepwater Disappointment," http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/11/121119-cuba-oil-quest/)

But an energy-poor Cuba also has its risks. One of the chief
AND
has left Cubans with insufficient resources and inexperience with high-tech gear.

Cuba using oil for electricity now-They just don’t have enough
PIñon 1/21 (Jorge, Visiting Research Fellow with the Cuban Research institute at Florida international University and former president of amoco oil Latin America, advisor to the Brookings institution task Force on U.S.-Cuba Relations, “The Future of Cuban Oil Prospecting,” Havana Times, 1/24/14, http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=101444)

The mere 1 percent increase in oil extraction afforded by Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR
AND
made up of CUPET and Venezuela’s State-run oil company, PDVSA.
All individuals deserve electricity access – we have an obligation to rectify the government’s failure to provide energy to the poor
Tully 6 – former BP Postdoctoral Fellow of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for the Analysis of Risk and Regulation and of the Law Department of the London School of Economics and Political Science
(Stephen, “The Human Right to Access Electricity,” The Electricity Journal vol 19 issue 3, April 2006, pg 30-39, dml)

Characterizing electricity as an essential civic service implies that governments are expected to provide access
AND
human needs enjoys priority above directly productive but competing agricultural or industrial applications.

The energy-oppressed poor experience hell on a daily basis
Driessen 6 – senior policy advisor for the Congress of Racial Equality and Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), and author of Eco-Imperialism: Green power and Black death
(Paul, “Nuclear to the rescue”, http://www.maninnature.com/Energy/Nuclear/Nuclear1a.html, dml) 

No wonder. Without electricity, modern life reverts to her childhood: no lights
AND
minimal manufacturing and commerce – and impoverished countries forever dependent on foreign aid.
The right to energy is uniquely key to assist and empower women living in poverty
Clancy, Skutsch, and Batchelor 2 – *a Reader in technology transfer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, Senior
Lecturer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, AND *Director of Gamos Ltd
(Joy, Margaret, and Simon, “The Gender-Energy-Poverty Nexus: Finding the energy to address gender concerns in development,” http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000378/P342_Skutsch_Batchelor.pdf, dml)

This paper set out to examine the question as to whether we have the energy
AND
as energy entrepreneurs and as managers of forests for sustainable biomass fuel supply. 

Patriarchy causes war, environmental destruction—justifies violence
Warren and Cady 94 Professors of Philosophy at Macalester College and Hamline University Karen and Duane, “Hypatia”, Spring, 1994. Proquest
The notion of patriarchy as a socially dysfunctional system enables feminist philosophers to show why
AND
women, which many feminists see as the logical outgrowth of patriarchal thinking. 

Contention 2 is Relations
Now a key time for US-Latin American ties. Permanent collapse coming.

Shifter ‘12 (Michael, an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council's journal Foreign Affairs. He serves as the President of Inter-American Dialogue. “Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America,” April, IAD Policy Report, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

If the United States and Latin America do not make the effort now, the
AND
wellbeing. It is time to seize the moment and overhaul hemispheric relations.

Now is key - Relations remain low and unoptimistic despite reforms made by Castro regime.
Starr 13 Pamela K Starr, Professor of international relations at USC and research fellow at the Pacific Council on International Policy, May 2013, “As Cuba Changes, U.S. Policy Does Not”, Pacific Council on International Policy, https://www.pacificcouncil.org/document.doc?id=539
Precisely where these changes will take Cuba and how quickly is not obvious, but
AND
government to change the nature of current U.S.-Cuban relations.

US-Cuban oil coop key to check existing US-Latin American tensions.

Benjamin-Alvarado ‘10
Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, “Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation,” a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 3-4

The development of Cuba as an energy partner will not solve America’s energy problems.
AND
enhance the environment, conserve energy, and provide improved quality of life.”
Cuba is key to US-Latin American Relations-specifically spills-over to global coop on warming - overcomes alt causes
Shifter ‘12
(Michael is an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council's journal Foreign Affairs. He serves as the President of Inter-American Dialogue. “Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America,” April, IAD Policy Report, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

Cuba, too, poses a significant challenge for relations between the United States and
AND
consultation and collaboration on a new, more effective approach to the problem.

Scenario 1 is Warming

Improving the effectiveness of global coop key to solve warming

Slaughter‘11
(Anne-Marie, Bert G. Kerstetter '66 university professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, “Problems Will Be Global -- And Solutions Will Be, Too”, Foreign Policy, Sept/Oct, Issue 188, Ebsco)
A more multilateral world is just the beginning Before considering the world in 2025,
AND
states and the societies they represent will have no choice but to adapt.
Warming is real and anthropogenic
EDF ‘9
Environmental Defense Fund, a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, “Global Warming Myths and Facts,” 1/13/2009, http://mrgreenbiz.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/global-warming-myths-and-facts-2/

There is no debate among scientists about the basic facts of global warming. The
AND
, is collapsing from melting permafrost. Relocation plans are in the works.
Best methodology shows status quo will push us past the tipping point – causes extinction
Guterl 12 – Executive Editor of Scientific American, expert in Climate and Environment, Science Policy, citing James Hanson, a NASA scientist (Fred, “Climate Armageddon: How the World’s Weather Could Quickly Run Amok”, 5/25/12;  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-worlds-weather-could-quickly-run-amok)
The world has warmed since those heady days of Gaia, and scientists have grown
AND
scope, that could make a rapid transition from one state to another.

Climate change exacerbates every scenario for social injustice
Cuomo 11 (Chris J Cuomo, PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, activist, professor of philosophy and women’s studies at the University of Georgia, Fall 2011, “Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Responsibility,” Hypatia Volume 26, Issue 4, pp 690-714, http://academia.edu/attachments/9105834/download_file)
Climate change was manufactured in a crucible of inequality, for it is a product
AND
surprisingly, their vulnerabilities are also shaped by norms of sex and gender.

Scenario 2 is Democracy
Stronger regionalism is vital to effective democracy promotion
Inter-American Dialogue 12 - the Inter-American Dialogue is the leading US center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs(“Remaking the Relationship The United States and Latin America”, April 2012, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

The democratic outlook in the Americas is on balance positive, particularly when compared with
AND
US concern about human rights violations, would be an important first step.

Latin American democracy key to global democracy
Hillman, 2 – Ph.D., Professor and Director, Institute for the Study of Democracy and Human Rights, St. John Fisher College (Richard S., Democracy and Human Rights in Latin Americai, Preface, p. vii) SP

Latin American experiences, especially in the areas of democratization and human rights protection,
AND
human rights have definitively entered the political lexicon and discourse throughout the world.

Democracy prevents genocide, environmental destruction and war
Diamond 1995 - Hoover Institute Senior Fellow (Larry, “Promoting Democracy in the 1990s,” http://wwics.si.edu/subsites/ccpdc/pubs/di/fr.htm) 

This hardly exhausts the lists of threats to our security and well-being in
AND
which a new world order of international security and prosperity can be built.
Contention 3 is Credibility
Concessions to Cuba are uniquely key to Obama’s credibility – it’s perception based
French 10 (Anya, Director for the U.S.-Cuba Policy Initiative at the New America Foundation, “Stiffing Havana,” http://cuba.newamerica.net/publications/articles/2010/stiffing_havana_38758)
In the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, bluffing is a seldom-
AND
influence at this pivotal moment, the time to engage Cuba is now.

Obama’s credibility key to solve social injustices and poverty
Wartell 10 (Sarah Rosen, Degree in urban affairs from Princeton, J.D. from Yale, 3rd president of the Urban Institute, Co-founded the Center for American Progress, Deputy assistant for economic policy under Bill Clinton, formerly a Deputy Assistant Security at the Federal Housing Administration, formerly a visiting scholar/adjunct professor at Georgetown, “The Power of the President”, November 2010, http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/11/pdf/executive_orders.pdf  Accessed 9/22/2013)

There are many federal government programs designed to support the needs of  low-income
AND
federal level into models for long-lasting state  and local collaboration efforts.

Contention 4 is Solvency
First is Impact Framing
My partner and I are interested in a more productive type of debate—one where we talk about issues relevant to the world and solutions relevant to the issues for a more educational debate space. This means that logical and likely arguments should be evaluated before obscure hypotheticals.  
The “any risk” logic of magnitude first impacts would make all decision making impossible—evaluate probability first
Meskill 2009 (David, professor at Colorado School of Mines and PhD from Harvard, “The "One Percent Doctrine" and Environmental Faith,” Dec 9, http://davidmeskill.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-percent-doctrine-and-environmental.html)
Tom Friedman's piece today in the Times on the environment (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/opinion/09friedman.html?_r=1) is one of the flimsiest pieces by a major columnist that I can remember ever reading. He applies Cheney's "one percent doctrine" (which is similar to the environmentalists' "precautionary principle") to the risk of environmental armageddon. But this doctrine is both intellectually incoherent and practically irrelevant. It is intellectually incoherent because it cannot be applied consistently in a world with many potential disaster scenarios. In addition to the global-warming risk, there's also the asteroid-hitting-the-earth risk, the terrorists-with-nuclear-weapons risk (Cheney's original scenario), the super-duper-pandemic risk, etc. Since each of these risks, on the "one percent doctrine," would deserve all of our attention, we cannot address all of them simultaneously. That is, even within the one-percent mentality, we'd have to begin prioritizing, making choices and trade-offs. But why then should we only make these trade-offs between responses to disaster scenarios? Why not also choose between them and other, much more cotidien, things we value? Why treat the unlikely but cataclysmic event as somehow fundamentally different, something that cannot be integrated into all the other calculations we make? And in fact, this is how we behave all the time. We get into our cars in order to buy a cup of coffee, even though there's some chance we will be killed on the way to the coffee shop. We are constantly risking death, if slightly, in order to pursue the things we value. Any creature that adopted the "precautionary principle" would sit at home - no, not even there, since there is some chance the building might collapse. That creature would neither be able to act, nor not act, since it would nowhere discover perfect safety. Friedman's approach reminds me somehow of Pascal's wager - quasi-religious faith masquerading as rational deliberation (as Hans Albert has pointed out, Pascal's wager itself doesn't add up: there may be a God, in fact, but it may turn out that He dislikes, and even damns, people who believe in him because they've calculated it's in their best interest to do so). As my friend James points out, it's striking how descriptions of the environmental risk always describe the situation as if it were five to midnight. It must be near midnight, since otherwise there would be no need to act. But it can never be five *past* midnight, since then acting would be pointless and we might as well party like it was 2099. Many religious movements - for example the early Jesus movement - have exhibited precisely this combination of traits: the looming apocalypse, with the time (just barely) to take action.

1AC allows for a more genuine political sphere – an examination of social injustice allows for a more informed vision of policy making
Pelton 05, Leroy H. Pelton professor in and former director of the School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Frames of Justice, 2005, pages 67, MC and JS

Certainly, social science's seat at the policy table has become well entrenched. I
AND
not abide violations of the individual for the sake of some aggregate good.
Second is No
 No war: Economic interdependence checks– all who disagree misevaluate data
Deudney and Ikenberry, 09 — MA and PhD in Political Science, Professor, Political Science, Johns Hopkins University; PhD, Professor, International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University (Daniel and G. John, January/February 2009, “The Myth of the Autocratic Revival: Why Liberal Democracy Will Prevail,” Foreign Affairs Volume 88, Issue 1,ProQuest, Hensel)

This bleak outlook is based on an exaggeration of recent developments andignores powerful countervailing factors
AND
international system is far more primed for peace than the autocratic revivalists acknowledge.

Even if war does occur, it will never involve great powers – rationality checks
Tepperman 9 Deputy Editor of Newsweek, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, now Managing Editor of Foreign Affairs, holds a B.A. in English Literature from Yale University, an M.A. in Jurisprudence from Oxford University, and an LL.M. in International Law from New York University(Jonathan, "Why Obama Should Learn to Love the Bomb," 8/28/09, http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/08/28/why-obama-should-learn-to-love-the-bomb.html)//AM

These efforts are all grounded in the same proposition: that, as Obama has
AND
each instance, very different leaders all came to the same safe conclusion.

Third is Yes
Cuba says yes- the plan is in Cuba’s best interest
CDA 09 (The Center for Democracy In the Americas, an independent non-profit committed to the development of better US policy towards and relations with the Americas, “21st Century Cuba: As Cuba plans to drill in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. policy poses needless risks to our national interest”, democracyinamericas.org, February 2011, http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf)

6. Cuba would welcome U.S. investment.¶ At MINCEX, the
AND
, due to the ¶ embargo, and Cuba looked for partners elsewhere.
Plan is effective, topical, and US firms would say “yes”.
Benjamin-Alvarado ‘10 (Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, “Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation,” a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 125-26)

There are numerous areas in the energy sector in which the United States and Cuba
AND
changes in the Cuban embargo so that this type of engagement can occur.
US expertise and proximity are key to halting Cuban oil spills
Pinon and Muse, 10 – Jorge, Visiting Research Fellow with the Cuban Research institute at Florida international University and former president of amoco oil Latin America, and Muse, Washington, D.C.-based attorney with long and substantial experience in U.S.-Cuba legal matters. Both are advisors to the Brookings institution task Force on U.S.-Cuba Relations (“Coping with the Next Oil Spill: Why U.S.-Cuba Environmental Cooperation is Critical,” Brookings Institute, 5/10, http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2010/5/1820oil20spill20cuba20pinon/0518_oil_spill_cuba_pinon.pdf) 

To respond effectively to an oil-related marine accident, any company operating in
AND
end very soon when the first drill bit hits ¶ the Cuban seabed.

U.S. deepwater technology is superior to other international companies
Rogers, 12 – Bacevich Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, focusing on science, technology, and national security (Will, “Western Hemisphere Happenings: Cuba’s Continued Quest for Offshore Oil” December 17, 2012, http://www.cnas.org/blogs/naturalsecurity/2012/12/western-hemisphere-happenings-cuba-s-continued-quest-offshore-oil.html)
With fresh memories of the Gulf Coast Deepwater Horizon accident, U.S.
AND
concern for U.S. officials as drilling continues off Cuba’s coast.

Tournament: Pennsbury | Round: 2 | Opponent: Oakton RT | Judge: Avanti Kollaram

1AC Lex the Real LM

Plan

Plan: The United States federal government should substantially increase joint oil cooperation towards Cuba.

Contention 1 is Drilling

Countries having difficulty reaching Cuba’s oil – using dangerous methods near coral reef "Gardens of the Queen" – time is now to solve Cuba’s energy dependence

Reuters 5-29 ~"Cuban oil hopes sputter as Russians give up for now on well," Reuters, May 29^th 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/29/cuba-oil-idUSL2N0EA00W20130529, Accessed 12-3-13~ ZS

HAVANA, May 29 (Reuters) - Russian state-owned oil company Zarubezhneft
AND
It is going to be extremely challenging (for Cuba)," he said.

Scenario 1 is Biodiversity

Attempted Cuban offshore drilling is inevitable – only a rapid response with US expertise can prevent catastrophes

Bert and Clayton 12 (Captain Melissa –2011-2012 Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard, and Blake – Fellow for Energy and National Security, "Addressing the Risk of a Cuban Oil Spill", March, http://www.cfr.org/cuba/addressing-risk-cuban-oil-spill/p27515)
Defending U.S. Interests An oil well blowout in Cuban waters would almost
AND
the United States risks a second Deepwater Horizon, this time from Cuba.

Gardens of the Queen uniquely sustains both US and Caribbean biodiversity – no alt causes

Waitt Foundation 12 – Ocean Conservation Organization ~founded by Ted Waitt, "Cuba’s Unique Marine Resources," Waitt Foundation, September 28, 2012, http://waittfoundation.org/cubas-unique-marine-resources-http://waittfoundation.org/cubas-unique-marine-resources, Accessed 12-3-13~ ZS

Corals in the Gardens of the Queen may be more resilient than elsewhere due to
AND
along the southeast U.S. and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf is a key to ocean biodiversity and Europe relations

Brenner 8 – Jorge Brenner, March 14th, 2008, "Guarding the Gulf of Mexico’s valuable resources" www.scidev.net/en/opinions/guarding-the-gulf-of-mexico-s-valuable-resources.html
Rich in biodiversity and habitats¶ The Gulf of Mexico is rich in biodiversity and
AND
in the North Atlantic that helps to regulate the climate of western Europe.

Biodiversity key to prevent total extinction

Clark and Downes 6
Dana Clark, Center for International Environmental Law, and David Downes, US Interior Dept. Policy Analysis Senior Trade Advisor, 2006, What price biodiversity?, http://www.ciel.org/Publications/summary.html
Biodiversity is the diversity of life on earth, on which we depend for our
AND
we lose the opportunity for mental or spiritual rejuvenation through contact with nature.
Scenario 2 is Energy

Cuba lacks energy now – drilling without US will inevitably fail

LaGesse 12 (David, Staff @ National Geographic, "Cuba’s Oil Quest to Continue, Despite Deepwater Disappointment," http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/11/121119-cuba-oil-quest/)**

But an energy-poor Cuba also has its risks. One of the chief
AND
has left Cubans with insufficient resources and inexperience with high-tech gear.

All individuals deserve electricity access – we have an obligation to rectify the government’s failure to provide energy to the poor

Tully 6 – former BP Postdoctoral Fellow of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for the Analysis of Risk and Regulation and of the Law Department of the London School of Economics and Political Science
(Stephen, "The Human Right to Access Electricity," The Electricity Journal vol 19 issue 3, April 2006, pg 30-39, dml)

Characterizing electricity as an essential civic service implies that governments are expected to provide access
AND
human needs enjoys priority above directly productive but competing agricultural or industrial applications.

The energy-oppressed poor experience hell on a daily basis

Driessen 6 – senior policy advisor for the Congress of Racial Equality and Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), and author of Eco-Imperialism: Green power and Black death
(Paul, "Nuclear to the rescue", http://www.maninnature.com/Energy/Nuclear/Nuclear1a.html-http://www.maninnature.com/Energy/Nuclear/Nuclear1a.html, dml) 

No wonder. Without electricity, modern life reverts to her childhood: no lights
AND
minimal manufacturing and commerce – and impoverished countries forever dependent on foreign aid. 

The right to energy is uniquely key to assist and empower women living in poverty

Clancy, Skutsch, and Batchelor 2 – *a Reader in technology transfer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, Senior
Lecturer with the Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, AND *Director of Gamos Ltd
(Joy, Margaret, and Simon, "The Gender-Energy-Poverty Nexus: Finding the energy to address gender concerns in development," http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000378/P342_Skutsch_Batchelor.pdf-http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000378/P342_Skutsch_Batchelor.pdf, dml)

This paper set out to examine the question as to whether we have the energy
AND
as energy entrepreneurs and as managers of forests for sustainable biomass fuel supply. 

Patriarchy causes war, environmental destruction—justifies violence

Warren 26 Cady 94 ~Professors of Philosophy at Macalester College 26 Hamline University Karen and Duane, "Hypatia", Spring, 1994. Proquest~
The notion of patriarchy as a socially dysfunctional system enables feminist philosophers to show why
AND
women, which many feminists see as the logical outgrowth of patriarchal thinking. 

Contention 2 is Relations

Now is key - Relations remain low and unoptimistic despite reforms made by Castro regime.

Starr 13 ~Pamela K Starr, Professor of international relations at USC and research fellow at the Pacific Council on International Policy, May 2013, "As Cuba Changes, U.S. Policy Does Not", Pacific Council on International Policy, https://www.pacificcouncil.org/document.doc?id=539-https://www.pacificcouncil.org/document.doc?id=539~~
Precisely where these changes will take Cuba and how quickly is not obvious, but
AND
government to change the nature of current U.S.-Cuban relations.

Cooperative drilling is critical for relations – energy has strategic significance for both countries

Grogg 12 – IPS (Patricia, citing Luiz Rene Fernandez, Senior Research and Professor at University of Havana in International Economics, "Cuba: Oil Drilling Opens Up New Possibilities", 2/16, http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/02/cuba-oil-drilling-opens-up-new-possibilities/-http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/02/cuba-oil-drilling-opens-up-new-possibilities/)//SEP
The search for oil in Cuba’s Gulf of Mexico waters, launched by the Spanish
AND
doubt. But the benefits of cooperation definitely outweigh them," Fernández concluded.

Scenario 1 is Warming

Cuba is key to US-Latin American Relations-specifically spills-over to global cooperation on warming – overcomes alt causes

Shifter 12 
(Michael is an Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and writes for the Council’s journal Foreign Affairs. He serves as the President of Inter-American Dialogue. "Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America," April, IAD Policy Report, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

Cuba, too, poses a significant challenge for relations between the United States and
AND
consultation and collaboration on a new, more effective approach to the problem.

Climate change exacerbates every scenario for social injustice

Cuomo 11 (Chris J Cuomo, PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, activist, professor of philosophy and women’s studies at the University of Georgia, Fall 2011, "Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Responsibility," Hypatia Volume 26, Issue 4, pp 690-714, http://academia.edu/attachments/9105834/download_file)
Climate change was manufactured in a crucible of inequality, for it is a product
AND
surprisingly, their vulnerabilities are also shaped by norms of sex and gender.

Best methodology shows status quo will push us past the tipping point – causes extinction

Guterl 12 – Executive Editor of Scientific American, expert in Climate and Environment, Science Policy, citing James Hanson, a NASA scientist (Fred, "Climate Armageddon: How the World’s Weather Could Quickly Run Amok", 5/25/12;  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-worlds-weather-could-quickly-run-amok)
The world has warmed since those heady days of Gaia, and scientists have grown
AND
scope, that could make a rapid transition from one state to another.
Scenario 2 is Democracy

Stronger regionalism is vital to effective democracy promotion

Inter-American Dialogue 12 - the Inter-American Dialogue is the leading US center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs("Remaking the Relationship The United States and Latin America", April 2012, http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf)

The democratic outlook in the Americas is on balance positive, particularly when compared with
AND
US concern about human rights violations, would be an important first step.

Latin American democracy key to global democracy
Hillman, 2 – Ph.D., Professor and Director, Institute for the Study of Democracy and Human Rights, St. John Fisher College (Richard S., Democracy and Human Rights in Latin Americai, Preface, p. vii) SP

Latin American experiences, especially in the areas of democratization and human rights protection,
AND
human rights have definitively entered the political lexicon and discourse throughout the world.

Democracy prevents genocide, environmental destruction and war

Diamond 1995 - Hoover Institute Senior Fellow (Larry, "Promoting Democracy in the 1990s," http://wwics.si.edu/subsites/ccpdc/pubs/di/fr.htm) 

This hardly exhausts the lists of threats to our security and well-being in
AND
which a new world order of international security and prosperity can be built.

Contention 3 is Solvency

First is Impact Framing

My partner and I are interested in a more productive type of debate—one where we talk about issues relevant to the world and solutions relevant to the issues for a more educational debate space. This means that logical and likely arguments should be evaluated before obscure hypotheticals.

The "any risk" logic of magnitude first impacts would make all decision making impossible—evaluate probability first

Meskill 2009 (David, professor at Colorado School of Mines and PhD from Harvard, "The "One Percent Doctrine" and Environmental Faith," Dec 9, http://davidmeskill.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-percent-doctrine-and-environmental.html)
Tom Friedman’s piece today in the Times on the environment (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/opinion/09friedman.html?_r=1) is one of the flimsiest pieces by a major columnist that I can remember ever reading. He applies Cheney’s "one percent doctrine" (which is similar to the environmentalists’ "precautionary principle") to the risk of environmental armageddon. But this doctrine is both intellectually incoherent and practically irrelevant. It is intellectually incoherent because it cannot be applied consistently in a world with many potential disaster scenarios. In addition to the global-warming risk, there’s also the asteroid-hitting-the-earth risk, the terrorists-with-nuclear-weapons risk (Cheney’s original scenario), the super-duper-pandemic risk, etc. Since each of these risks, on the "one percent doctrine," would deserve all of our attention, we cannot address all of them simultaneously. That is, even within the one-percent mentality, we’d have to begin prioritizing, making choices and trade-offs. But why then should we only make these trade-offs between responses to disaster scenarios? Why not also choose between them and other, much more cotidien, things we value? Why treat the unlikely but cataclysmic event as somehow fundamentally different, something that cannot be integrated into all the other calculations we make? And in fact, this is how we behave all the time. We get into our cars in order to buy a cup of coffee, even though there’s some chance we will be killed on the way to the coffee shop. We are constantly risking death, if slightly, in order to pursue the things we value. Any creature that adopted the "precautionary principle" would sit at home - no, not even there, since there is some chance the building might collapse. That creature would neither be able to act, nor not act, since it would nowhere discover perfect safety. Friedman’s approach reminds me somehow of Pascal’s wager - quasi-religious faith masquerading as rational deliberation (as Hans Albert has pointed out, Pascal’s wager itself doesn’t add up: there may be a God, in fact, but it may turn out that He dislikes, and even damns, people who believe in him because they’ve calculated it’s in their best interest to do so). As my friend James points out, it’s striking how descriptions of the environmental risk always describe the situation as if it were five to midnight. It must be near midnight, since otherwise there would be no need to act. But it can never be five *past* midnight, since then acting would be pointless and we might as well party like it was 2099. Many religious movements - for example the early Jesus movement - have exhibited precisely this combination of traits: the looming apocalypse, with the time (just barely) to take action.

1AC allows for a more genuine political sphere – an examination of social injustice allows for a more informed vision of policy making

Pelton 05, Leroy H. Pelton professor in and former director of the School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Frames of Justice, 2005, pages 67, MC 26 JS

Certainly, social science’s seat at the policy table has become well entrenched. I
AND
not abide violations of the individual for the sake of some aggregate good.

Global focus on 3^rd world women key – analysis of oppressed women allows insight into the intersectional nature of oppression

Kabeer 97 – Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies
(Naila, "Tactics and Trade-Offs: Revisiting the Links Between Gender and Poverty," IDS Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 1997 pg 1-13, dml)

In addition, some feminist scholars have argued compellingly that any concern with social justice
AND
p. 202; see also Sen and Grown 1985; Kabeer 1994).

Second is No

No war: Economic interdependence checks– all who disagree misevaluate data

Deudney and Ikenberry, 09 — MA and PhD in Political Science, Professor, Political Science, Johns Hopkins University; PhD, Professor, International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University (Daniel and G. John, January/February 2009, "The Myth of the Autocratic Revival: Why Liberal Democracy Will Prevail," Foreign Affairs Volume 88, Issue 1,ProQuest, Hensel)

This bleak outlook is based on an exaggeration of recent developments andignores powerful countervailing factors
AND
international system is far more primed for peace than the autocratic revivalists acknowledge.

Rights and International Relations both check war – peace is here to stay

Even if war does occur, it will never involve great powers – rationality checks

Tepperman 9 Deputy Editor of Newsweek, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, now Managing Editor of Foreign Affairs, holds a B.A. in English Literature from Yale University, an M.A. in Jurisprudence from Oxford University, and an LL.M. in International Law from New York University(Jonathan, "Why Obama Should Learn to Love the Bomb," 8/28/09, http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/08/28/why-obama-should-learn-to-love-the-bomb.html)//AM

These efforts are all grounded in the same proposition: that, as Obama has
AND
each instance, very different leaders all came to the same safe conclusion.
Third is Yes

Cuba says yes- the plan is in Cuba’s best interest

CDA 09 (The Center for Democracy In the Americas, an independent non-profit committed to the development of better US policy towards and relations with the Americas, "21^st Century Cuba: As Cuba plans to drill in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. policy poses needless risks to our national interest", democracyinamericas.org, February 2011, http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf-http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf)

6. Cuba would welcome U.S. investment.¶ At MINCEX, the
AND
, due to the ¶ embargo, and Cuba looked for partners elsewhere.

Plan is effective, topical, and US firms would say "yes".

Benjamin-Alvarado ’10 (Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, "Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation," a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 125-26)

There are numerous areas in the energy sector in which the United States and Cuba
AND
changes in the Cuban embargo so that this type of engagement can occur.

Tournament: Yale | Round: 1 | Opponent: Agape Leaders Prep XS | Judge: Kim Borland

Cuban Oil 1AC

China Advantage

Advantage 1 is China
Now is key – China is shoring up influence in Cuba
Boston Globe, 2/9 (and#34;Cuba’s reforms pave way for new US policy, tooand#34;, 2013, http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2013/02/09/cuba-reform-create-opportunity-drag-policy-into-century/xER2NTTXGsxdLej0miHwFM/story.html)
Relations between the United States and Cuba have been stuck since the United States imposed
AND
signals that the timing is ripe for a new diplomatic agenda with Cuba.

Cooperative drilling boosts U.S. stature and influence in Latin America and prevents Chinese expansion
Benjamin-Alvadaro ’6 (Jonathan, Professor of Political Science at University of Nebraska at Omaha, Report for the Cuban Research Institute, and#34;The Current Status and Future Prospects for Oil Exploration in Cuba: A Special,and#34; http://cri.fiu.edu/research/commissioned-reports/oil-cuba-alvarado.pdf)

Given that there are no formal diplomatic of economic relations between the governments of the
AND
circumstances but have well-served the commercial interests of all parties involved.

Plan solves Chinese influence
Dowd 12 (Alan, Senior Fellow with the American Security Council Foundation, and#34;Crisis in the America’s,and#34; http://www.ascfusa.org/content_pages/view/crisisinamericas-http://www.ascfusa.org/content_pages/view/crisisinamericas)

Focused on military operations in the Middle East, nuclear threats in Iran and North
AND

There is room for only one great power in the Western Hemisphere.
China’s influence is zero-sum- plan solve Chinese influence
Kreps, 13 (Sarah E., Assistant Professors of Government at Cornell University , and#34;No Strings Attached? Evaluating China’s Trade Relations Abroad,and#34; May 17, http://thediplomat.com/china-power/no-strings-attached-evaluating-chinas-trade-relations-abroad)

To be sure, China may not have a purposeful plan to bring their trade
AND
its trade and diplomatic agenda as an important means of projecting influence abroad.
Close LA-China relations boxes out the US – decks heg.
Dominguez 6. ~Jorge, Professor @ Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, and#34;China’s Relations With Latin America: Shared Gains, Asymmetric Hopesand#34; Inter-American Dialogue Working Paper — June — www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/china.pdf~

There is, of course, a delicate triangular ¶ problem. To the extent
AND
firmer stance against U.S. ¶ dominance in the region.35
Chinese influence in Latin America is a litmus test for power globally – undermines Hegemony
Cerna 11
~Michael, China Research Center, China’s Growing Presence in Latin America: Implications for U.S. and Chinese Presence in the Region, 4/15/11, http://www.chinacenter.net/chinas-growing-presence-in-latin-america-implications-for-u-s-and-chinese-presence-in-the-region/-http://www.chinacenter.net/chinas-growing-presence-in-latin-america-implications-for-u-s-and-chinese-presence-in-the-region/~~

With both the U.S. and China making gains in the region in
AND
best measures the continued hegemony of the U.S. versus China.
Heg decline causes nuclear war.
Arbatov 7. ~Alexei, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, member of the Editorial Board of Russia in Global Affairs, and#34;Is a New Cold War Imminent,and#34; Russia in Global Affairs, No. 2, July-September 2007, http://eng.globalaffairs.ru/numbers/20/1130.html~~

However, the low probability of a new Cold War and the collapse of American
AND
of a nuclear device in one or several major capitals of the world.

Russia Advantage

Advantage 2 is Russia
Lack of US presence and Raul’s ascent to power invites Russia to use Cuba as a means to project power and expand influence
Lee 08 – President of Foreign Policy Research Insititute; authority on international crime and narcotics and nuclear security issues; a Stanford Ph.D.; president of Global Advisory Services, a McLean, Virginia-based consulting firm (Rens, and#34;Rethinking the Embargo,and#34; Foreign Affairs, November/December 2008, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/64618/rens-lee/rethinking-the-embargo)//Bwang-http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/64618/rens-lee/rethinking-the-embargo)//Bwang

Current U.S. policy makes Cuba a target of opportunity for a resurgent
AND
Russia may feel more comfortable deploying strategic or intelligence assets on the island.

Russian military influence in Cuba expanding now – renews cold war tensions
Reid 08 (Marsha, Staff Reporter at Geopolitical Monitor, and#34;Cuba 26 Cold War Redux,and#34; Geopolitical Monitor, 8/4/08, http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/cuba-russian-us-tensions-august-4-2008-991/)

In a move aimed at spiting Washington for its planned missile defence system in Central
AND
addition to extending NATO membership to former Soviet states Georgia and the Ukraine.
The plan specifically establishes a long-term framework for normalizing Cuba-US relations
Lanier 13—Adam Lanier, UNC School of Law (and#34;In Deepwater: Cuba, Offshore Drilling, and Political Brinkmanshipand#34;, 2013, Lexis Nexis)

IV. Recommendations¶ The development of Cuba’s offshore oil resources has sparked the interest
AND
long-term framework for the normalization of relations on mutually acceptable terms. 

US relations crowd out Russia
Blank 9 (Stephen, Research Professor of National Security Affairs at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College, and#34;Russia in Latin America: Geopolitical Games in the US’s Neighborhood,and#34; pdf)

The only way in which Russian policy truly threatens the US and Latin America is
AND
reverse those outcomes and demonstrate what liberal democracy in action can truly accomplish.

Russian expansion triggers a Cold War scenario — Latin America is divided and tensions rise
Walle 12 (Walter, Research Associate at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, and#34;Russia Turns to the South for Military and Economic Alliances,and#34; http://www.coha.org/russia-turns-to-the-south-for-military-and-economic-alliances/-http://www.coha.org/russia-turns-to-the-south-for-military-and-economic-alliances/)

Quite clearly, Russia’s interest in Latin America is escalating. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
AND
alone among Latin American countries in recognizing the independence of the new republics.

Increasing Cuba-Russia relations threatens US-Russian relations
Logan 8 – reporter on Security in Latin America for the ISN (Samuel, and#34;Cuba’s emerging leverageand#34;, August 20, International Relations and Security Network, http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?id=9023126lng=en)//ID-http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?id=9023126lng=en)//ID

When Russian daily Izvestia reported on 21 July that Russian Tu-160 and Tu
AND
and Washington, thereby erasing any gains made by Putin during his presidency.

US-Russia War causes extinction
Frumkin and Helfand 12 (Howard, MD, DrPH, School of Public Health, University of Washington; and Ira, MD, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and#34;A Prescription for Survival: Prevention of Nuclear War,and#34; American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 2012, http://www.psr.org/nuclear-weapons/rxforsurvival.pdf)

Still it is not the arsenals of these new nuclear powers that pose the greatest
AND
starve to death and it is possible that homo sapiens could become extinct.

Spills Advantage

Advantage 3 is oil spills
Cuban attempts at offshore drilling are inevitable – only a rapid response with US expertise can prevent spills
Bert and Clayton 12 (Captain Melissa –2011-2012 Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard, and Blake – Fellow for Energy and National Security, and#34;Addressing the Risk of a Cuban Oil Spilland#34;, March, http://www.cfr.org/cuba/addressing-risk-cuban-oil-spill/p27515)
Defending U.S. Interests An oil well blowout in Cuban waters would almost
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the United States risks a second Deepwater Horizon, this time from Cuba.
Alternative methods of containing a spill fail in Cuban waters – only expertise solves
Bert and Clayton 12 (Captain Melissa –2011-2012 Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard, and Blake – Fellow for Energy and National Security, and#34;Addressing the Risk of a Cuban Oil Spilland#34;, March, http://www.cfr.org/cuba/addressing-risk-cuban-oil-spill/p27515)
Washington cannot count on the technical know-how of Cuba’s unseasoned oil industry to
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or skimmed, which would render standard response technologies like containment booms ineffective.
Cuban oil spills collapse Floridian ecosystems – the plan prevents and mitigates the impact to spills
Stephens and Colvin 11 (Sarah – Executive Director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, and Jake – Vice President for Global Trade Issues at the National Foreign Trade Council, and#34;US-Cuba policy, and the race for oil drillingand#34;, 9/29, http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/184661-us-cuba-policy-and-the-race-for-oil-drilling)
To protect the national interest — and for the sake of Florida’s beaches and the
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Piñon calls and#34;any conceivable responseand#34; in the event of a crisis.
Florida is a unique biodiversity hotspot
Alles 7 (David L. Professor of Biology – Western Washington University, and#34;Biodiversity Hot Spots: The Florida Evergladesand#34;, 3-7-2007, http://www.biol.wwu.edu/trent/alles/Everglades.pdf-http://www.biol.wwu.edu/trent/alles/Everglades.pdf)
and#34;Biodiversity hot spots are areas where endemic species with small ranges are concentrated.
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these patterns. Much of the time the water is contaminated by pollutants.
Extinction
Nautiyal 26 Nidamanuri 10 (Sunil and Rama Rao – Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources @ Institute for Social and Economic Change 26 Department of Earth and Space Sciences @ Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and#34;Conserving Biodiversity in Protected Area of Biodiversity Hotspot in India: A Case Study,and#34; International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 36 (2-3): 195-200, 2010)
The hotspots are the world’s most biologically rich areas hence recognized as important ecosystems not
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sustainable ecosystem management in such areas is therefore supported by this¶ study.

Plan

Plan Text: The United States federal government should lift its economic restrictions on joint oil cooperation toward Cuba.

Solvency

Cuba says yes. This spills-into broader coop.  

Benjamin-Alvarado ’10
Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, and#34;Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation,and#34; a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 120

Undoubtedly, after fifty years of enmity, there is a significant lack of trust
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the way to establishing much-needed familiarity and confidence across these communities.

Plan is effective, topical, and US firms would say and#34;yesand#34;. 

Benjamin-Alvarado ’10
Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, PhD of Political Science, University of Nebraska, 2010, and#34;Cuba’s Energy Future: Strategic Approaches to Cooperation,and#34; a Brookings Publication – obtained as an ebook through MSU Electronic Resources – page 125-26

There are numerous areas in the energy sector in which the United States and Cuba
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changes in the Cuban embargo so that this type of engagement can occur.

US expertise and proximity are key to halting Cuban oil spills
Pinon and Muse, 10 – Jorge, Visiting Research Fellow with the Cuban Research institute at Florida international University and former president of amoco oil Latin America, and Muse, Washington, D.C.-based attorney with long and substantial experience in U.S.-Cuba legal matters. Both are advisors to the Brookings institution task Force on U.S.-Cuba Relations (and#34;Coping with the Next Oil Spill: Why U.S.-Cuba Environmental Cooperation is Critical,and#34; Brookings Institute, 5/10, http://www.brookings.edu/~~/media/research/files/papers/2010/5/1820oil20spill20cuba20pinon/0518_oil_spill_cuba_pinon.pdf-http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2010/5/18 oil spill cuba pinon/0518_oil_spill_cuba_pinon.pdf) 

To respond effectively to an oil-related marine accident, any company operating in
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end very soon when the first drill bit hits ¶ the Cuban seabed.

U.S. deepwater technology is superior to other international companies
Rogers, 12 – Bacevich Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, focusing on science, technology, and national security (Will, and#34;Western Hemisphere Happenings: Cuba’s Continued Quest for Offshore Oiland#34; December 17, 2012, http://www.cnas.org/blogs/naturalsecurity/2012/12/western-hemisphere-happenings-cuba-s-continued-quest-offshore-oil.html)

With fresh memories of the Gulf Coast Deepwater Horizon accident, U.S.
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concern for U.S. officials as drilling continues off Cuba’s coast.
Cuba says yes- the plan is in Cuba’s economic interest
CDA 09 (The Center for Democracy In the Americas, an independent non-profit committed to the development of better US policy towards and relations with the Americas, and#34;21^st Century Cuba: As Cuba plans to drill in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. policy poses needless risks to our national interestand#34;, democracyinamericas.org, February 2011, http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf-http://democracyinamericas.org/pdfs/Cuba_Drilling_and_US_Policy.pdf)

6. Cuba would welcome U.S. investment.¶ At MINCEX, the
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, due to the ¶ embargo, and Cuba looked for partners elsewhere.