The relationship between the nations was clearly one of dependence, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba was unable to sustain its economic functioning. The price fell even further when Cuba flooded the market with its product. Without the discount on industrial goods from its former trading partner, Cuba couldn't afford to buy building materials, machinery parts, or fuel. Just Like eastern Kentucky. Both places have learned the lesson of too much dependence on one commodity.
Economic diversification is one way of padding an economy against such shocks.
Fortunately, both Cuba and eastern Kentucky have some very smart and hard-working people who are working to improve the diversity and sustainability of their economies. In eastern Kentucky, a small wave of political reformers is challenging the traditional alliance between corrupt local governments and coal bosses. Ownership rights to land and minerals are being contested in the courts, and coal companies are under increasing pressure to pay the taxes they've been avoiding since the beginning of their hegemony. Appalachia's mountainous geography and inaccessibility make many kinds of commerce and industry impractical, but creative efforts are underway to take advantage of the area's resources. Some small entrepreneurs are responding to the new market of health conscious consumers and the growing Latin American immigrant population by turning to goat farming for milk and meat.