This booklet examines the historical roots from which today's Caribbean societies evolved, and the wide variety of social, economic and political entities that make up the Caribbean region today. Separate chapters discuss and compare the economies of the region, its political systems, and the increasingly important phenomenon of Caribbean emigration. The final chapter examines the relationship between the Caribbean and the United States: its past, its present, the future we fear and the future we prefer. Chapters include: (1) "The Formation of Caribbean Societies"; (2) "The Caribbean Today"; (3) "Contemporary Caribbean Economies"; (4) "Caribbean Politics: Stability, Violence and the Currencies of Power"; (5) "Emigration: The Caribbean Diaspora"; and (6) "The Caribbean and United States Policy. "Monographs in FPA's Headline Series are published approximately four times a year and are intended as a resource for teachers and students in the foreign policy area. Each monograph: is about a world area or topic; is written by a noted scholar; is brief (usually 64 pages); is written to be highly readable; and includes basic background, maps, charts, discussion guides, and suggested reading. (EH)