Fixing Haiti: MINUSTAH and Beyond
Summary — This book, edited by Jorge Heine and Andrew S. Thompson, analyzes Haiti's governance challenges and the international community's responses, particularly focusing on the role of MINUSTAH. It examines the obstacles to a more prosperous and cohesive society and evaluates the effectiveness of international efforts since the 2004 insurrection.
Key Findings
- Haiti's fragility is exacerbated by external shocks such as food price spikes, climate change, and the global financial crisis.
- The international community's response to the 2010 earthquake was significant, but questions remain about Haiti's absorptive capacity for aid.
- Security sector reform, particularly the development of the Haitian National Police, is crucial for long-term stability.
- The involvement of Latin American troops in MINUSTAH marks a new era of regional cooperation.
- Building state capacity is essential for Haiti to effectively manage external resources and provide services to its citizens.
Full Description
This book delves into the complex governance challenges facing Haiti and the international community's efforts to address them, with a particular emphasis on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It examines the structural and governance difficulties that hinder the emergence of a more prosperous and cohesive society, evaluating the effectiveness of various actors, both domestic and international, in overcoming these obstacles. The book also explores the changing geopolitical dynamics within the Americas, particularly between the north and south, as seen through the lens of the international reconstruction effort in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake. It analyzes the historical roots of Haiti's instability, the role of external shocks, and the challenges of security sector reform and state-building.