Havana argues that the United States cannot label the island as a failing state while simultaneously tagging it as a threat to national security. According to this reasoning, if Washington views Cuba as economically devastated and institutionally in crisis, it cannot also credit the nation with espionage, influence, or destabilization capabilities. However, simply reiterating that Washington must choose between labeling Cuba a failing state or a threat does not dismantle the new framework of the current administration.