Lost in Translation: ABC Cooperation and Reconstruction in Haiti

Abstract

This article investigates cooperation efforts on the part of Argentina, Brazil and Chile (the ABC countries) in Haiti. It addresses two salient puzzles. First, why did ABC countries miss the opportunity to build a stronger strategic approach in Haiti, despite the favourable setting presented by a multinational stabilisation and development initiative? Second, why has their cooperation in Haiti not surmounted typical characteristics of North-South cooperation, such as poor coordination? It is argued that the absence of strategic cooperation between the ABC countries and the reproduction of problems plaguing North-South cooperation derive from a complex mix of factors, including philosophically different models of economic development, historical rivalries and the interaction between the ABC countries and Haitian political actors.

Regional Implementation of Peacekeeping: Notes and Lessons from the Brazilian Experience in the MINUSTAH

“…South America, as the source of the ABC countries, wants to implement a South-South model for situations such as that which occurred in Haiti, taking into account regional idiosyncrasies in order to be more effective as a peacekeeping mission and more autonomous from the US. The main problem appears to be the lack of a robust structure within the subregional organizations and the differences among ABC countries in terms of conception and cooperation approaches (see Feldmann et al 2011 ). Nevertheless the obstacles and diffi culties, the experience already gained with the MINUSTAH shows that a more regional approach to peacekeeping, not only in terms of troops and their command, but especially regarding the multidimensional cooperation policies, can make a difference for a more balanced approach in complex peacekeeping operations.…”

“…The complex security crisis in Haiti demanded that MINUSTAH deliver on traditional and often acute security crises, and also deliver on new forms of human security crises. Indeed, the multidimensional mandate of MINUSTAH was "arguably a challenging one for the UN" (Feldmann et al 2011 ). MINUSTAH's mandate included the following tasks: assisting and protecting civilians; disarming armed parties; pacifying the country; helping the transitional government by strengthening and reforming institutions (like the police, the judiciary and the prison system); bolstering the rule of law; supporting the political process and organizing and monitoring free elections; and, last but not least, promoting human rights.…”

“…Feldmann et al ( 2011 ) identify three main factors that explain the diffi culties faced by the regional partners in Haiti: different models of economic development; a competition rooted in historical rivalries among the partners; and different preferences regarding state-building. This set of problems is directly connected to UNASUR's lack of capability in terms of resources and staff to act as a focal point and coordinator of the regional cooperation process in Haiti.…”

A new player in the international development community? Chile as an emerging donor

“…The country has championed the elimination of trade barriers through a network of regional and bilateral FTAs, which has transformed it into one of the countries with the highest number of such agreements in the world (Baldwin & Jaimovich, ). Several analysts agree that those commercial interests have been the main drivers of Chilean recent foreign policy (Briones & Dockendorff, ; Oyarzún, ; Feldmann et al., ; Fermandois, ; Wilhelmy & Durán, ).…”

Contested Statehood and State-Building in Haiti

“…argentina, Brazil and chile also promised to develop forms of south-south cooperation that were distinct from traditional northsouth relations of dependency. yet there again, scholarly analysis suggests that the aBc countries are also having difficulties putting their ideas into practice in the complicated Haitian environment (Feldmann, Lengyel et al, 2011). this Haiti-specific pattern reflects the wider policy to practice gaps that plague donor performance in fragile states despite recent reform efforts (manning and trzeciak-duval, 2010 until the end of his term, Bellerive reminded the international community about this endogenous, developmentalist vision of a strong state, a dynamic yet sustainable economy and an equitable society.…”