Episode 43: Haiti — State Against Nation, Part 1

Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper joins us to discuss the history of foreign intervention in Haiti, the political and economic origins of the country’s so-called gangs, and the centuries-long struggle between the Haitian state and popular sovereignty.

Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper is an Assistant Professor of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She is also the director of the Center for Racial Justice at UCI. Dougé-Prosper’s work generally focuses on Black social movements. More specifically, her research centers around protest movements in 21st century Haiti. Dougé-Prosper has published in political magazines such as Black Agenda Report, LeftEast, Phenomenal World, Jacobin and NACLA as well as academic journals such as Women’s Studies Quarterly, International Studies Review, Kalfou, Small Axe, PoLAR and the Journal of Haitian Studies. She is completing her first manuscript titled Nation Against State: Development Contested in Occupied Haiti. Dougé-Prosper is currently a board member of Grassroots International. Between 2018 and 2024, she served as the coordinator of the Pan-African Solidarity Network with Community Movement Builders.

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Episode Guide:

* MINUSTAH — United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (2004–2017). Brazil-led UN peacekeeping mission established following the removal of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

* MINUJUSTH — United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (2017–2019). Successor to MINUSTAH, focused on policing and judicial institutions.

* BINUH — United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (2019–present). UN political mission supporting governance, security, and human rights.

* MSS — Multinational Security Support Mission (2024–2026). Kenya-led multinational security force authorized by the UN Security Council.

* GSF — Gang Suppression Force (2026–present). Multinational force authorized to combat armed groups in Haiti.

* FRAPH — Front for the Advancement and Progress of Haiti. Paramilitary organization implicated in repression following the 1991 coup against Aristide.

* PHTK — Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale. Political party associated with former presidents Michel Martelly and Jovenel Moïse.

* G9 — G9 an Fanmi e Alye (G9 Family and Allies). Armed-group coalition associated with Jimmy Chérizier (“Barbecue”).