Political
Factors Attributing to Haiti's 7th Place Rank as a "Failed State"
- Friday, June 22, 2012 12:16 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. (defend.ht) – 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 [sic] 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.
Ranking all categories.
| Factor | Rank | Factor | Rank | Factor | Rank |
| Demographic Pressures | 4th | Refugees/IDPs | 22nd | Group Grievance | 38th |
| Human Flight | 2nd | Uneven Development | 11th | Economic Decline | 2nd |
| Delegitimization of the State | 14th | Public Services | 4th | Human Rights | 35th |
| Security Apparatus | 24th | Factionalized Elites | 21st | External Intervention | 4th |
Historical Rankings
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.
