Case Study (Gang Crisis in Haiti)

Case Study: Gang Crisis in Haiti
1. Context and Background:
 Historical Context:
o Haiti has a history of political instability, economic hardship,
and weak governance, dating back to its independence from
France in 1804 as the first Black republic. Decades of political
mismanagement, corruption, and foreign intervention (notably
by the U.S. and the United Nations) have left Haiti’s
institutions fragile and its economy impoverished.
o The 2010 earthquake exacerbated Haiti’s challenges,
damaging infrastructure and displacing hundreds of
thousands. While international aid poured in, it was often
poorly managed, further entrenching issues of corruption and
dependence on foreign assistance.
o Political turmoil increased following the assassination of
President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Moïse’s death left a power
vacuum, sparking a battle for control among political factions
and gangs.
 Geopolitical Context:
o Haiti, located in the Caribbean, is close to the U.S., making its
stability significant for regional security. Its issues with crime
and migration impact neighboring countries, especially the
Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola.
o The gang crisis in Haiti is intertwined with drug trafficking
routes from Latin America to the U.S., leading to international
interest in curbing the influence of criminal networks.
 Stakeholders:
o Domestic Actors: Gangs control much of the capital, Port-au-
Prince, and play a major role in Haitian society, as they fill
gaps left by the state. Haitian political figures, some allegedly
linked to gangs, complicate governance.
o International Organizations: The UN and the U.S. have
provided aid, training, and resources for Haitian security
forces. Recently, the UN approved a Kenyan-led multinational
force to support local police in tackling gangs.
o Civil Society: Local organizations and civilians are heavily
impacted, facing kidnapping, extortion, and violence.
Humanitarian NGOs also play a role, often advocating for
increased aid and protection for vulnerable populations.
2. Nature of the Issue:
 Core Issue: The Haitian gang crisis is a conflict over control, power,
and resources, largely due to a lack of governmental authority and
adequate law enforcement. Gangs have filled this power vacuum,
exercising control over local communities and basic resources (food,
water, and fuel).
 Political Frameworks:
o Realism and power theories can help explain the rise of gangs
as non-state actors seeking influence in a failing state. The
concept of “failed states” applies, as gangs are stepping in
where traditional state functions have eroded.
o Liberalism can also be examined, particularly regarding the
role of international actors attempting to stabilize Haiti and
the impact of globalization on Haiti’s economy and politics.
 Legal and Ethical Dimensions:

o The crisis raises ethical questions about the right of
intervention and the extent of responsibility that the
international community holds, especially since foreign
powers have historically interfered in Haitian politics with
mixed outcomes.
o Legally, the UN intervention mandate involves balancing
sovereignty with the duty to protect populations at risk of
human rights abuses.
3. Impact on Global and Domestic Politics:
 International Relations:
o The crisis impacts regional security, particularly in the
Caribbean and the U.S., due to migration and crime spillover.
There is international pressure on Haiti’s government to
accept foreign aid and security assistance.
o The involvement of a Kenyan-led UN security force is an
example of multilateral intervention, highlighting a shift from
previous U.S.-led efforts to a more regionally inclusive
approach.
 Domestic Impact:
o The Haitian government struggles to assert authority and
deliver basic services, with residents depending on gangs for
protection and access to essentials.
o Economically, the crisis has devastated Haiti, with many
businesses closing due to violence and the inability to operate
safely. The Haitian currency has devalued, and inflation has
soared.
 Role of Non-State Actors: Gangs have become de facto

authorities, particularly in poorer neighborhoods, controlling
resources and acting as gatekeepers for aid distribution. Their
influence reflects the weakening state apparatus and lack of
adequate governance.
4. Power and Sovereignty:
 Distribution of Power: Gangs hold significant local power, rivaling

or even surpassing that of the government in certain areas. The
government’s dependence on international assistance underscores
its limited authority.
 Sovereignty Issues: Haiti’s sovereignty is compromised by its

reliance on international forces for security. The multinational
intervention, while necessary for stability, may be perceived as
infringing on national sovereignty.
 Intervention and Influence: Past interventions (e.g., MINUSTAH)

received mixed reactions, and there is skepticism about the current
multinational force. Some argue that foreign intervention disrupts
Haiti’s sovereignty and ultimately disempowers local governance
structures.
5. Human Rights Implications:
 Rights Affected: The crisis has resulted in widespread human

rights abuses, including kidnappings, sexual violence, and restricted
freedom of movement.
 Legal Instruments: The UN’s involvement is guided by

humanitarian principles, particularly those protecting civilians in
conflict zones. The International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) applies, as it safeguards personal security.
 Humanitarian Impact: Displacement has left thousands homeless.

Gang violence limits access to schools, healthcare, and other
essential services, exacerbating poverty and deepening inequality.
6. Responses and Solutions:
 Policy Responses: The Haitian government has attempted limited

reforms but lacks the capacity to confront gangs independently.
There is increasing reliance on international aid and pressure on
foreign governments for intervention.
 Effectiveness: Local police are under-resourced and unable to curb

gang activities. International support has had limited impact in the
past, with gangs often regaining control post-intervention.
 Proposed Solutions and Future Outlook:

o The multinational force, led by Kenya, aims to restore security,
but long-term success will require economic development and
political stability.
o Some propose community-based approaches, where NGOs
and local leaders work together to rebuild institutions and
empower citizens.
7. Evaluation and Analysis:
 Successes and Failures: Past interventions had mixed outcomes,

often stabilizing certain areas temporarily but failing to address the
root causes. The current intervention could be more successful if it
addresses both security and economic needs.
 Long-Term Implications: If unresolved, the gang crisis could lead

to further state collapse, creating a humanitarian disaster and
increasing migration pressures on neighboring countries.
 Personal Perspective: The gang crisis in Haiti highlights the

challenges of state-building in contexts with weak institutions and
historical instability. A comprehensive approach that includes
socioeconomic development, governance reform, and careful
international support may be necessary for meaningful progress.
Links between the Event and the Course Key Concepts
1.

Case Study (Gang Crisis in Haiti)

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Case Study: Gang Crisis in Haiti

1. Context and Background:

2. Nature of the Issue:

 Legal and Ethical Dimensions:

3. Impact on Global and Domestic Politics:

 Role of Non-State Actors: Gangs have become de facto

4. Power and Sovereignty:

 Distribution of Power: Gangs hold significant local power, rivaling

 Sovereignty Issues: Haiti’s sovereignty is compromised by its

 Intervention and Influence: Past interventions (e.g., MINUSTAH)

5. Human Rights Implications:

 Rights Affected: The crisis has resulted in widespread human

 Legal Instruments: The UN’s involvement is guided by

 Humanitarian Impact: Displacement has left thousands homeless.

6. Responses and Solutions:

 Policy Responses: The Haitian government has attempted limited

 Effectiveness: Local police are under-resourced and unable to curb

 Proposed Solutions and Future Outlook:

7. Evaluation and Analysis:

 Successes and Failures: Past interventions had mixed outcomes,

 Long-Term Implications: If unresolved, the gang crisis could lead

 Personal Perspective: The gang crisis in Haiti highlights the

Links between the Event and the Course Key Concepts

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