Similar Policies, Different Outcomes: U.S. Policies toward Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Since gaining its independence from French rule in 1804, Haiti has constantly struggled to achieve political and economic stability and viability. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti as well as a similar colonial history under Spanish rule, has been able to sustain democratic governance and economic growth in recent history. The United States has long played a significant role in the economics and politics of both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, but despite similar policies, we have seen dramatically different outcomes. In this thesis, I will argue that the United States’ policies designed to promote economic development in Haiti will continue to be wholly ineffective until political stability is accomplished and basic infrastructure has been built throughout the country.