Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper joins us to discuss the history of foreign intervention in Haiti, the political and economic origins of the country’s so-called gangs, and the centuries-long struggle between the Haitian state and popular sovereignty.
Mamyrah Dougé-Prosper is an Assistant Professor of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She is also the director of the Center for Racial Justice at UCI. Dougé-Prosper’s work generally focuses on Black social movements. More specifically, her research centers around protest movements in 21st century Haiti. Dougé-Prosper has published in political magazines such as Black Agenda Report, LeftEast, Phenomenal World, Jacobin and NACLA as well as academic journals such as Women’s Studies Quarterly, International Studies Review, Kalfou, Small Axe, PoLAR and the Journal of Haitian Studies. She is completing her first manuscript titled Nation Against State: Development Contested in Occupied Haiti. Dougé-Prosper is currently a board member of Grassroots International. Between 2018 and 2024, she served as the coordinator of the Pan-African Solidarity Network with Community Movement Builders.
To support Palestinians in Gaza, consider donating through The Sameer Project.
Episode Guide:
* MINUSTAH — United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (2004–2017). Brazil-led UN peacekeeping mission established following the removal of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
* MINUJUSTH — United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (2017–2019). Successor to MINUSTAH, focused on policing and judicial institutions.
* BINUH — United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (2019–present). UN political mission supporting governance, security, and human rights.
* MSS — Multinational Security Support Mission (2024–2026). Kenya-led multinational security force authorized by the UN Security Council.
* GSF — Gang Suppression Force (2026–present). Multinational force authorized to combat armed groups in Haiti.
* FRAPH — Front for the Advancement and Progress of Haiti. Paramilitary organization implicated in repression following the 1991 coup against Aristide.
* PHTK — Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale. Political party associated with former presidents Michel Martelly and Jovenel Moïse.
* G9 — G9 an Fanmi e Alye (G9 Family and Allies). Armed-group coalition associated with Jimmy Chérizier (“Barbecue”).
* ALBA — Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America. Regional cooperation initiative established by Venezuela and Cuba.
* IMF — International Monetary Fund. International financial institution involved in Haiti’s economic restructuring.
* OAS — Organization of American States. Regional intergovernmental organization.
* HOPE — Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act. U.S. trade-preference legislation for Haitian apparel.
* HELP — Haiti Economic Lift Program Act. U.S. legislation expanding trade preferences for Haitian textiles and apparel.
We’re committed to independence and will never run ads or take money from institutions. That means Turbulence is entirely listener-funded.
For $5 a month, paid subscribers gain access to weekly news analysis bonus episodes, where we respond to events as they unfold, follow up on previous discussions, and draw connections across the conflicts shaping our world.
Most importantly, paid subscriptions make it possible for us to keep doing this work independently, week after week.
Subscribe today at turbulencepod.substack.com
Follow along on Twitter/X and Instagram @turbulence_pod
Theme: Eye for an Eye, Haram (2017)
Art: Vivek Venkatraman
Researcher: KC
Mix: Jasper Saba
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit turbulencepod.substack.com/subscribe
