Damming the Flood: Haiti, Aristide, and the Politics of Containment

"Damming the Flood: Haiti, Aristide, and the Politics of Containment" delves into the turbulent political landscape of Haiti, a nation whose divisions and poverty starkly contrast with its rich colonial past. This compelling book focuses on the Lavalas movement and Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former priest whose presidency promised hope but was cut short by coups d'état in 1991 and 2004, underpinned by international interference. Published on April 17, 2008, the narrative explores how external forces from the US and France collaborated to thwart Aristide’s efforts at reform, showcasing a potent example of modern imperialistic strategies. Ideal for adult education classes, this book not only chronicles the fight for immigrant, economic, and racial justice in Haiti but also serves as a crucial lesson on the global impacts of political and economic interventions. Readers are invited to reflect on how these themes continue to resonate in today's struggles for justice worldwide.