ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the Caribbean economies from several perspectives. It describes the unique characteristics and challenges of energy security in the Caribbean and the opportunities the region has for decarbonization through the use of natural gas and renewable energy. The book then examines the role that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and explores the critical issue of debt and fiscal constraints in the CARICOM region. It also describes the changing external economic relations of the Caribbean with its two biggest trading partners, the United States and the European Union. The book explores that the influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Caribbean is proliferating with many countries in the region shifting their diplomatic ties from Taiwan to the PRC. It then focuses on the Union of South American Nations and the Latin American and the Caribbean Community.
