Dr. Brian Latell
September 14, 2026
Topic: Cuba at the Crossroads
Dr. Brian Latell is a retired intelligence officer, historian, author, and recognized expert on Cuba, Latin America, and U.S.-Latin American relations. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Georgetown University and spent more than three decades as an intelligence analyst with the U.S. Air Force, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the National Intelligence Council, primarily focusing on Latin American issues for senior U.S. policymakers.
During his intelligence career, Latell served as National Intelligence Officer for Latin America from 1991 to 1994 and as Director of the Center for the Study of Intelligence from 1994 to 1998. In recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to U.S. intelligence, he was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. Following his government service, he was a Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Americas Program.
In addition to his government service, Latell served for 25 years as an adjunct professor in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where he taught courses on Cuba, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and U.S.-Latin American relations. He also spent ten years as an adjunct professor and senior researcher at the University of Miami.
A recognized authority on Cuba and the Caribbean, Latell has lectured widely and consulted with presidents, senior government officials, diplomats, and regional leaders on political, intelligence, and security issues. He is the author of several books, including After Fidel: Raul Castro and the Future of Cuba’s Revolution, Castro’s Secrets: The CIA and Cuba’s Intelligence Machine, and History Will Absolve Me: Fidel Castro—Life & Legacy.
His articles and commentary have appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Miami Herald, Time, Politico, and others, and he has frequently served as a television commentator on Cuba for local and national networks.
Now retired, Latell divides his time between Key Biscayne, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia.