My grandmother was an immigrant from Haiti and throughout her life—perhaps consciously, perhaps not—she instilled in me a deep appreciation for Haitian culture, especially Haitian cuisine. Her influence, though gentle, was profound, anchoring me to a history marked by resilience in the face of adversity. Since its bold assertion of independence from France in the early 19th century, Haiti has been ensnared in a web of exploitation by formidable entities such as the United States, the World Bank, and the United Nations, which have perpetuated its subjugation.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about Haiti. I see it as a vivid example—a microcosm—of a larger, deeply personal injustice: the denial of a people’s fundamental right to self-determination.
Background
Haiti is experiencing significant challenges, marked by widespread violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, my grandmother’s hometown. The citizens are grappling with severe issues, including widespread violence and acute shortages of food and essential services. The government isn’t able to help much, and to many Haitians, it seems like they’ve just disappeared when they’re needed the most. The United Nations recently decided to send troops from different countries to help, but there’s been a delay because of legal issues in Kenya, which was supposed to lead this effort.
The United States is also ostensibly trying to help by planning a new way to work with Haiti, focusing on long-term solutions and local involvement. But some people are skeptical, thinking it’s just the same old approach with a new name, and they doubt it will really make a difference.
A Critical View
Haiti’s current situation reflects the ongoing impact of colonial history and modern neo-colonialism. Outside forces, such as the United States and organizations like the United Nations, continue to exert influence over the political and economic matters of countries that were once colonies, like Haiti, under the guise of claiming to help stabilize and aid them.
It’s clear the country is caught in a cycle of external control and internal turmoil. The decision by the UN Security Council to send a multinational force to Haiti, led by troops from Kenya, is just the latest example of foreign powers stepping in. But history shows us that these interventions often don’t solve the root problems; instead, they tend to maintain a status quo that benefits those outside Haiti more than Haitians themselves.
The United States is talking about a “new relationship” with Haiti through the Global Fragility Act (GFA), but when you strip away the fancy language, it’s hard to see what’s actually new about it. The GFA’s emphasis on “long-term, holistic views” and “locally driven solutions” remains abstract in the absence of genuine engagement with Haitian civil society and a clear departure from past exploitative practices. The approach seems to lack concrete plans or actions that would genuinely empower Haitians or address the deep-seated issues of corruption, violence, and poverty.
Haiti’s situation is a textbook case of dependency theory in action, illustrating how financially vulnerable countries can become trapped in a cycle of economic reliance on wealthier, more powerful nations. This cycle is often perpetuated by influential corporate entities that shape the policies of powerful countries to serve their interests. In Haiti’s case, this dynamic has led to a compromised national sovereignty, as external forces exert significant influence over its economic and political decisions.
Consequently, Haiti remains trapped in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment, struggling to break free from the constraints imposed by this global power imbalance. Haiti’s challenges exemplify the plight of nations caught in the web of dependency, unable to fully exercise their autonomy or pursue sustainable development paths due to external pressures and interests.
Breaking Free
The real game-changer for Haiti would be to break free from the grip of international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank whose policies and initiatives reflect corporate interests. These institutions often lend money with strings attached, strings that specifically cater to the interests of the corporate elite, shaping economic policies in a manner that directly benefits this powerful group while simultaneously disadvantaging the local population. These loans and Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), as they are called, have a way of trapping countries in debt and forcing them to prioritize repayments to the international financial institutions over spending on essential services like health and education.
Haiti has incredible resources, including an estimated $20 billion worth of minerals like gold. Instead of these riches being a curse that invites foreign exploitation, they could be the key to Haiti’s self-sufficiency. The country could use these resources to build a stronger economy that serves the needs of its people, not foreign interests. Achieving this, though, requires that influential entities like the U.S., U.N., IMF, and World Bank recalibrate their approach, easing the restrictive hold they currently have on Haiti’s political and economic frameworks.
Haiti’s path forward is about taking control of its own destiny. It’s about saying breaking free from foreign interventions that don’t serve the Haitian people and harnessing its indigenous resources for self-led development. This is about more than just politics; it’s about dignity, justice, and the right of every nation to chart its own course.
Our Responsibility
Haiti’s struggles reflect a broader pattern of subordination that affects marginalized and oppressed communities worldwide, including within the United States itself. This subordination is rooted in a global system that prioritizes profit and power for the few over “the people’s” well-being and rights. From the exploitation of workers to the marginalization of minority communities, the mechanisms of oppression may vary, but the underlying dynamics of power and exploitation remain consistent. In the US, this is evident in economic inequalities, racial injustices, and the erosion of workers’ rights, mirroring the exploitation and disempowerment seen in countries like Haiti.
The beauty and depth of Haitian culture, with its resilience and vibrant expressions, stand as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to create and persevere. My grandmother was a testament to this enduring strength, embodying the rich cultural heritage and indomitable will that define the Haitian experience. I am forever grateful for her impact on my life.
The principle of self-determination is vital for all cultures, allowing societies to flourish and develop in ways that are true to their heritage and values. It’s this autonomy that enables every community to shape its own destiny, fostering environments where cultural diversity is celebrated and protected as a shared treasure of humanity.
As part of a global community, we bear a responsibility to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters everywhere in their fight for self-determination and freedom from oppression. Supporting the right to self-determination isn’t just about opposing foreign interventions or economic exploitation; it’s about recognizing our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of our struggles. By advocating for justice and equity, both within our own communities and globally, we contribute to building a world where everyone has the opportunity to shape their own destiny, free from the constraints of oppressive systems.