That seems to presage a move towards targeted social policy radical indeed for Cuba.

ECONOMIST: Cuba's economy

Indeed, some diplomats and foreign-policy wonks fear Ms Rice's move will shift the balance of power inside that cabal towards its most hawkish members.

ECONOMIST: The Bush reshuffle

These bursts of growth were not normally preceded by a big shift in policy, or by full-blown economic and political reforms such as liberalisation or a move towards democracy.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus