ARTICLE - HAITI - 7TH PLACE - FAILED STATE

FACTORS ATTRIBUTING TO HAITI'S 7TH PLACE RANK AS A "FAILED STATE"
(Defend Haiti) -

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Haiti ranked 7th in the world on the “2012 Failed State Index” published by the Washington, D.C.- based Foreign Policy magazine on Monday. It was the only country in the Western Hemisphere to make, at least, the top 60, based on factors such as human flight, economic decline and external intervention.

In a photo essay, Foreign Policy reflected on President Michel Martelly’s 2011 succession into power but took notice of the problems encountered after one year in office.

…his [Martelly’s] time in power has been marred by corruption scandals and plagued by political infighting and suggestions from critics that Martelly, better known as "Sweet Micky," plans on setting himself up as a dictator. There could be some hope for future development: As foreign aid continues to dwindle, the country is attempting to rebrand itself as a tourist destination. Still, social, economic, and political unrest, paired with the the country's enduring image as a disaster zone, have so far stymied the return of vacationers.

Factors

The Foreign Policy Index bases its findings on a dozen factors. Those most damaging to Haiti were, demographic pressures, human flight, economic decline, public services – or lack thereof –, and external intervention.


Historical Rankings

FACTOR RANK

Demographic Pressures......................4th
Human Flight.................................... 2nd
Deligitimization of the State............... 14th
Security Apparatus............................ 24th
Refugees/IDPs................................... 22nd
Uneven Development.............................. 11th
Public Services................................. 4th
Factionalized Elites............................ 21st
Group Grievance................................. 38th
Economic Decline................................ 2nd
Human Rights.................................... 35th
External Intervention........................... 4th


In 2011, the Preval administration had just ended after a hot and prolonged election and President Martelly was only one month in office. The cholera epidemic was in its 9 month and was surging following the April rainy season. Haiti was ranked 5th on this index

In 2010, Haiti was ranked 11th, even after succumbing to an earthquake about 6 months prior. This was during the administration of Rene Preval.

In 2009, Haiti was ranked 12th, in the world.