In the wake of this month's earthquake, and given the international goodwill directed towards Haiti right now, the US has a chance to undo the damage it has caused for the last two hundred years. The media coverage is going to die down soon, but hopefully before it does, the Obama administration will use this opportunity to promote a stable Haitian republic.
Throughout the nineteenth century, the US government failed to recognize Haiti as a country, and attempted to enforce a 150 million franc debt owed to France for the cost of the Haitian revolution. In essence, creating a long-term debtor nation. US government officials believed recognizing the republic would give inspiration to the millions of slaves in the States. Throughout the twentieth century, the US government supported a slew of dictators who opposed human rights, but were in favor of American capitalism. It even occupied the country from 1915 to 1934, declaring that the Haitians were unfit to rule themselves. In 1957, the infamous "Papa Doc" began his reign of terror assisted by US government funds and marines. The US also placed trade embargoes on Haiti in 1991 and 2000, along with preventing international development agencies from lending money to the nation.
Throughout the nineteenth century, the US government failed to recognize Haiti as a country, and attempted to enforce a 150 million franc debt owed to France for the cost of the Haitian revolution. In essence, creating a long-term debtor nation. US government officials believed recognizing the republic would give inspiration to the millions of slaves in the States. Throughout the twentieth century, the US government supported a slew of dictators who opposed human rights, but were in favor of American capitalism. It even occupied the country from 1915 to 1934, declaring that the Haitians were unfit to rule themselves. In 1957, the infamous "Papa Doc" began his reign of terror assisted by US government funds and marines. The US also placed trade embargoes on Haiti in 1991 and 2000, along with preventing international development agencies from lending money to the nation.
Haiti is not a unique story to say the least, especially in the realm of American foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere (see Chile, Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela). Haiti also suffers from its own internal corruption, but the American government's policies have consistently inhibited Haiti's economic growth and political stability.
In the coming months and years, I expect plenty of coverage of Haitians' skepticism of American companies in the rebuilding effort. This I understand. I also expect, as I have already seen this week, to see plenty of politicians trumpeting the "We are not going to write Haiti a blank check" rhetoric. What I would like to see is a redevelopment effort that focuses on rebuilding Haiti's infrastructure, promotes capital development, enhances education opportunities, and comes without adding to Haiti's national debt, which is already 40% of its GDP.
--Joe
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