DR HAITI – THE BLACK SHEEP OF THE CARIBBEAN: HISTORICAL ROOTS AND CONSTRUCTIVIST PERSPECTIVES ON STATE FRAGILITY

Haiti

Abstract

This paper explores Haiti's contemporary political and economic challenges through the lens of its historical development and constructivist theory in international relations. Rather than attributing Haiti’s persistent marginalization solely to material shortcomings or governance failures, the study emphasizes the importance of socially constructed perceptions and historical narratives that have shaped both Haiti’s domestic institutions and its position in the international system. It argues that international norms, colonial legacies, and discursive practices have consistently portrayed Haiti as an anomaly within the Caribbean and global order. The paper analyzes how the Haitian Revolution, post-independence isolation, and repeated foreign interventions have contributed to a collective international perception of Haiti as politically unstable and economically fragile. Drawing on constructivist insights, the study underscores the significance of ideational forces—such as identity, reputation, and legitimacy—in understanding how Haiti is governed internally and perceived externally. Ultimately, the paper calls for a reevaluation of international engagement with Haiti that takes into account not only structural reforms but also the transformation of embedded global narratives.