Problematic Neighbors: The Relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti

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Problematic Neighbors

The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti can be characterized as a time bomb that can explode at a given time. Strained relations of these two states spurs from longstanding historical, cultural, and ethnic differences. Despite both occupying the island of Hispaniola, and sharing common features, the dislike for one another is so deeply embedded in each state’s political and social identity. The island of Hispaniola was split into two during its colonization period by the French and Spanish, this diaspora constructed a deep historical significance that impacted the way Haitians and Dominicans live and see one another to this day. In addition, this conflictual ideology has heavy influence on each respective states foreign policy agenda. This caribbean feud has led to negotiations and foreign relations to remain in limbo , and in many instances cause current policies to backslide. Issues such as Haitian political and economic instability inevitably affect their neighbors, the Dominican Republic. Haiti has become a liability and obstacle to further growth, in addition to a security threat. With so much animosity occupying this relationship, the thought of cordial relations and conducting foreign policy without social and racially biased ideals is nothing but a distant dream. The social constructivism of this dysfunctional relationship has become second nature to each respective government and population. Demonization of one another through historical events, has led these two states to become enemies rather than friends, even with the close proximity. Foreign policy between the two states has rendered itself impractical, and a plane that will never reach its destination.

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...ll happen is very questionable. In addition to their broken past, the Dominican Republic and Haiti experience two very different levels of development, further complicating foreign policy. In the eyes of the Dominican Republic, Haiti is damaged goods with a wealth of problems and poor leadership, becoming an anchor for Dominican progression. With little to contribute and domestic instability, foreign relations have yet another obstacle and increase the resentment from the Dominican government, as Haiti presents itself as a threat to security. In order to change the dynamics of this relationship, mass reforms and a rational mentality must be at hand, otherwise the foreign policy agenda will remain in a miserable situation. But at the present foreign policy between the states has characterized itself as impractical, and a plane that will never reach its destination.

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