Papa Doc, Baby Doc: Haiti and the Duvaliers

Aims to explain the reality of Haiti under the Duvaliers and the causes of the regime’s violent collapse. Tracing major patterns and forces within the country’s often turbulent history, the text examines the nature of Duvalierism, its historic roots and the conflicts which toppled it. It also analyses subsequent events in “liberated Haiti” and assesses future prospects for this unsettled country. Using eyewitness reports and first-hand recollections, the author has reconstructed the events surrounding Baby Doc’s last weeks in power. He discusses the role of the Catholic Church and the US Government in his demise, and examines the nature of the spontaneous revolt which lacked orthodox political leadership. A new chapter brings the story further up to date with coverage of the chaotic, disrupted elections in February 1988. The author reported on events in Haiti for “The Independent”.