Second-Generation SSR or Unending Violence in Haiti?

Abstract

In the literature on security sector reform (SSR), there is a debate between mainstream analysts of post-9/11 approaches, who argue that second-generation SSR (2GSSR) is emerging in some contexts, and post-colonial critics, who argue that despite discursive changes, Western-driven, securitized practices still dominate. This article bridges those views, building on Larzillière's (2016) idea that the diffusion of global power offers southern actors room for maneuver to construct alternatives to first-generation SSR. Grounding the debate in the Haitian case, the paper explores the mixed record of police and rule of law reform in that relatively permissive environment. It concludes that while some stakeholders have used Haiti's margin for maneuver to advance 2GSSR, powerful actors are privileging narrow security goals in a political and socioeconomic context that greatly constrains the consolidation of a new approach. The article concludes by situating the uncertain gains that have been made in Haiti in comparative thinking about the uneven prospects for 2GSSR in diverse fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS).

Justice and rule of law failure in Haiti: A view from the Shanties

“…One might add that this top‐down approach has given rise to reform interventions with performance indicators employing metrics that reinforce donors’ own terms and vision for achieving “success” (Andersen, ; Jensen, ; Larzillière, ; Rivard Piché, ). In Haiti, the security dimension that characterizes the state‐centric approach of judicial reform emphasizes a top‐down donor‐driven governmentality of bodies with (sporadic) investments in security forces, judicial powers, and secure internment that maintain an unjust sociopolitical status quo, all wrapped within a corrupt and authoritarian political system in crisis for more than three decades (Baranyi, ; Berg, ; Donais, ; Donais & Knorr, ; Dupuy, ; Gélineau & Zeichmeister, ; Hauge, ; Hauge et al, ; Marcelin, ; Rivard Piché, ; Seitenfus, ; Walby and Monaghan, ).…”

“…In 2017, food security, according to the World Food Programme (2017), "Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world: more than half of its total population is chronically undernourished and 22% of children are chronically malnourished." For additional discussion on security-development nexus and international presence in Haiti see Andreas et al (2013), Gordon (2014), Baranyi (2011Baranyi ( , 2019, Donais (2015), Donais and Burt (2015), Donais and Knorr (2013), and McCandless and Abu-Nimer (2011). of the justice system in Haiti.…”

“…Likewise, Shamsie () highlighted how, after the Haiti earthquake in January 12, 2010, international donors’ security and development nexus approach overshadowed investment in the country's agricultural sector. In 2017, food security, according to the World Food Programme (), “Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world: more than half of its total population is chronically undernourished and 22% of children are chronically malnourished.” For additional discussion on security‐development nexus and international presence in Haiti see Andreas et al (2013), Gordon (), Baranyi (), Donais (), Donais and Burt (), Donais and Knorr (), and McCandless and Abu‐Nimer ().…”

“…In Haiti, the security dimension that characterizes the state-centric approach of judicial reform emphasizes a top-down donor-driven governmentality of bodies with (sporadic) investments in security forces, judicial powers, and secure internment that maintain an unjust sociopolitical status quo, all wrapped within a corrupt and authoritarian political system in crisis for more than three decades (Baranyi, 2019;Berg, 2013;Donais, 2015;Donais & Knorr, 2013;Dupuy, 2005;Gélineau & Zeichmeister, 2016;Hauge, 2018;Hauge et al, 2015;Marcelin, 2012;Rivard Piché, 2017;Seitenfus, 2011;Walby and Monaghan, 2011).…”