The Army During the Duvalier Era, 1957–86

Abstract

The administrations of François Duvalier (1957–71) and Jean-Claude Duvalier (1971–86) mark an important period in the history of the army and civil-military relations in Haiti. It was the period during which the army was at times in open competition with the civilian militia and was loyally subservient to the president. The military as a powerful institution was being transformed into a docile instrument, which affected its relationship with the civilian population. The army had passed from the assertive roles of mediator, guardian and ruler to a more passive role. This chapter attempts to identify the variables that explain the transformation of the army during the Duvalier era.