Why has Haiti been plagued by so many woes? Why have multiple U.S.
efforts to create a stable democracy in Haiti failed so spectacularly?
Philippe Girard answers these and other questions, examining how
colonialism and slavery have left a legacy of racial tension, both
within Haiti and internationally; Haitians remain deeply suspicious of
white foriegners' motives, many of whom doubt Hatians' ability to govern
themselves. He also examines how Haiti's current political instability
is merely a continuation of political strife that began during the War
of Independence (1791-1804). Finally, in Haiti: The Tumultuous
History, Girard explores poverty's devastating impact on contemporary
Haiti and argues that Haitians--particularly home-grown dictators--bear
a big share of the responsibility for their nation's troubles