Haiti is collapsing. Gangs now control most of Port-au-Prince, and the international response is failing. Can anything stop the takeover? In this gripping episode of The Stimpack Podcast, Jeff Frazier sits down with Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a top expert in insurgency and organized crime from the Brookings Institution, to break down the current crisis in Haiti. Together, they explore how armed gangs like Viva Ensemble have outmaneuvered the Haitian government and the internationally funded MSSM force—and why so many conventional strategies, like high-value targeting, are likely to fail. They also discuss how Haiti’s elite once puppeteered the gangs, and how that dynamic has now reversed, leading to bold attacks in upscale neighborhoods and fears of a full-scale collapse. This is a must-listen if you want to understand the power struggle, the humanitarian cost, and what could happen next if the world continues to look away. 🎙 About the Guest Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and one of the world’s leading experts on conflict zones, organized crime, and counterinsurgency. With a PhD in political science from MIT and an undergraduate degree from Harvard, she has spent decades in the field, interviewing armed actors, insurgents, and civilians across places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico—and now Haiti. Her work influences top decision-makers around the globe.

⏱️ Timestamps

 00:00 – Introduction: Vanda Felbab-Brown joins the show 01:58 – Vanda’s background: from communist Czechoslovakia to Harvard & MIT 04:36 – Why she’s drawn to war zones and underdog causes 08:00 – How she gathers intel: interviews, fieldwork, and analysis 11:34 – A breakdown of Haiti’s armed actors: gangs, militias, police 14:20 – Why the MSSM is failing 16:06 – Can high-value targeting work? (Spoiler: probably not) 21:00 – The rise of Viva Ensemble: unity among deadly rivals 26:00 – Attacks in the hills: gangs encroach on elite neighborhoods 31:00 – Daily life in Port-au-Prince: famine, collapse, no escape 32:39 – What solutions remain—if any 37:52 – The reemergence of gang-political bargains 42:31 – Why Haiti matters to the world 📝 Show Notes This conversation offers one of the most thorough, real-time assessments of Haiti's gang crisis available today. Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown explains why the MSSM mission, even at full strength, is unlikely to contain the growing power of gang coalitions like Viva Ensemble. She outlines how gang leaders have evolved—becoming more politically strategic, militarily capable, and economically self-sufficient. We also explore: The failures of decapitation strategies (targeting gang leaders) How corruption, sanctions, and foreign disengagement accelerated the crisis Why drone strikes may be more symbolic than effective The surprising parallels with other conflict zones like Afghanistan and Mexico What could happen if no outside force intervenes—and what happens if the wrong one does Jeff and Vanda dive deep into the systemic collapse of governance, and the daily realities of hunger, displacement, and fear for millions of Haitians. If you're trying to understand Haiti not as a headline, but as a living, breathing crisis—this episode is essential.

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In this episode of the Stimpak podcast, Jeff Frazier interviews Diego Da Rin from the Crisis Group, focusing on the complex situation in Haiti. They discuss Diego's background, the role of the Crisis Group, the challenges faced by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and the dire state of affairs in Haiti due to gang violence and political instability. The conversation also touches on the potential for negotiations with gangs and the need for elections and governance in Haiti.

Takeaways Crisis Group operates with country-specific analysts to provide in-depth analysis. Diego Da Rin's journey into crisis analysis began with a focus on social movements in Colombia. The MSS faces significant challenges due to underfunding and lack of resources. Haiti's political landscape is heavily influenced by gang violence and corruption. International attention is often diverted to other crises, leaving Haiti under-supported. The need for a robust security mission in Haiti is critical to restoring order. Haitians are largely opposed to negotiating with gangs due to past violence. The situation in Haiti can worsen if immediate action is not taken. Elections in Haiti are complicated by security issues and gang control. Long-term solutions must address the root causes of violence and corruption.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diego Da Rin and His Background

01:14 New Chapter 08:16 Transition to Crisis Group and Focus on Haiti

10:43 Crisis Group's Approach to Conflict Analysis

14:36 International Response to Haiti's Security Crisis

20:40 Understanding the Gang Dynamics in Haiti

23:34 The Complexity of Haiti's Political Landscape

30:42 The Role of the International Community

39:30 Prioritizing Security Over Elections in Haiti 

General Hashtags: #JeffFrazier #StimpackPodcast #PodcastInterview #Haiti #HaitiCrisis #HaitiNews #HaitiViolence #HaitiConflict #HaitiPolitics #InternationalRelations #GlobalConflict #CrisisGroup #DiegoDaRin #Geopolitics #WorldPolitics #CurrentEvents #HumanitarianCrisis #SecurityIssues #Peacekeeping #ConflictResolution #InternationalAid #ForeignPolicy

Haiti-Specific Hashtags: #HaitiUnrest #HaitiGangs #HaitianPolitics #HaitianCrisis #PortAuPrince #HaitianPolice #MSS #MINUSTAH #UNPeacekeeping #HaitiSecurity #HaitiEconomy #HaitiCorruption #HaitiAid #HaitianElections #HaitiGovernment #HaitiWarzone #HaitiRescue #HaitianPeople Crisis & Security Hashtags: #GangViolence #PoliticalCrisis #FailedState #UrbanWarfare #PeaceOperations #InternationalSecurity #GlobalConflicts #SecurityThreats #LawAndOrder #UNMission #HumanRights #StateCollapse #CrisisResponse #DDR #PeaceNegotiations #HumanTrafficking #CivilUnrest

Podcast & Media Hashtags: #YouTubePodcast #Podcasting #TrueStories #RealTalk #WorldIssues #DeepDive #PodcastEpisode #Journalism #InvestigativeReporting #NewsAnalysis #GeopoliticalAnalysis #ThinkTank #ExpertInterview #PodcastDiscussion #YouTubeInterview 

Summary

In this episode, Jeff Frazier discusses the potential impact of the Trump-Rubio administration on Haiti, focusing on security and governance. He explores the ethical implications of humanitarian aid, individual responsibilities in giving, and the U.S. interests in Haiti's stability. The conversation delves into the current security situation in Haiti, the influence of gangs, and the broader geopolitical context involving China and Russia.

Takeaways

The Trump-Rubio effect on Haiti will focus on security and governance. Ethics and morality play a crucial role in humanitarian aid. Individuals must assess their responsibility in giving. The U.S. has strategic interests in Haitian security. Stopping mass migration from Haiti is a priority for the U.S. Economic opportunities in Haiti can benefit both nations. The influence of gangs in Haiti is a growing concern. There is no neutral ground in global politics. The U.S. must act to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining influence in Haiti. The current situation in Haiti requires urgent attention and action.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Trump-Rubio Effect on Haiti 00:14 Ethics and Morality in Humanitarian Aid 02:33 The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Giving 05:01 The Role of Government in Humanitarian Efforts 07:10 Understanding Security and Governance in Haiti 10:09 The Big Four: U.S. Interests in Haiti 12:45 The Current Situation in Haiti 14:53 Expectations for the Trump-Rubio Administration 18:24 Conclusion and Future Outlook 20:57 Season Three mpeg.mp4

Keywords

Haiti, humanitarian aid, self-reliance, economic development, Trump-Rubio effect, USAID, power giving, governance, foreign aid, community empowerment

Summary

In this conversation, Jeff Frazier discusses the future of Haiti, focusing on the need for a new approach to humanitarian aid that emphasizes self-reliance and economic development. He critiques the current methods of aid distribution, arguing that they often perpetuate dependency rather than foster independence. Frazier introduces the concept of 'power giving,' which aims to empower individuals and communities by providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary for sustainable growth. He also explores the potential impact of the Trump-Rubio effect on Haiti, suggesting that a shift in mindset towards personal responsibility in aid could lead to significant improvements in the country's situation.

Takeaways

The future of Haiti depends on self-reliance and opportunity. Current humanitarian aid often perpetuates dependency. Power giving focuses on empowering communities. Economic development requires understanding local needs. The Trump-Rubio effect could change the aid landscape. Aid should be tailored to avoid creating laziness. Listening to communities is crucial for effective aid. Self-reliance can be achieved through local initiatives. The role of government in aid should be minimal. Real change requires hard work and commitment.

Chapters

00:00 The Trump and Rubio Effect on Haiti

06:50 The Dangers of Lazy Giving

15:10 Power Giving: A New Approach

21:55 The Future of Haiti: Self-Reliance and Opportunity 

In this episode, Jeff Frazier discusses the complex issues facing Haiti, emphasizing the importance of understanding the existing puzzle pieces of governance, rule of law, and economic development. He highlights the critical role of humanitarian aid and the need for self-reliance initiatives to create sustainable growth. The conversation also touches on the interplay between these elements and the challenges posed by corruption and governance failures. Jeff concludes by outlining future discussions on the Trump effect and ethical obligations towards Haiti.

Takeaways

The world is moving too fast for traditional approaches. Good governance is essential but not sufficient for progress. Haiti currently has zero elected officials, indicating a governance crisis. Tax collection is crucial for providing basic societal services. Corruption is a pervasive issue in all developing nations. Rule of law is necessary for entrepreneurship and investment. Economic development must be prioritized over security concerns. Humanitarian aid must be paired with self-reliance initiatives. The disparity between Haiti's economy and population growth creates scarcity. Understanding the missing piece is vital for sustainable development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Puzzle of Haiti 00:40 Understanding the Work Streams 02:49 The Importance of Good Governance 06:31 Rule of Law and Its Challenges 09:45 Economic Development and Its Dependencies 12:27 The Missing Piece: Self-Reliance Initiatives 17:44 Looking Ahead: The Future of Haiti 22:42 Season Three mpeg.mp4

Summary

In this conversation, Jeff Frazier shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an entrepreneur and technology innovator. He discusses his military service, the impact of self-education, and his transition into the tech industry, particularly in health technology. Frazier emphasizes the importance of understanding Haiti's complex issues and calls for collective action to address its challenges, aiming to engage listeners in meaningful activism.

Takeaways

Jeff's childhood was marked by challenges, including ADHD and family trauma. He demonstrated tenacity in overcoming educational obstacles. Military service provided him with discipline and structure. Self-education through books ignited his passion for learning. His tech career began with a focus on healthcare and innovation. ResearchKit opened new opportunities for health research. Understanding Haiti requires a comprehensive approach. Frazier aims to identify key factors that can drive change in Haiti. He seeks to build a community of engaged activists. The goal is to address the root causes of Haiti's poverty.

Chapters

00:00 The Ethical Obligation to Rescue 01:43 Sacrificing for Haiti 11:47 From Technology to Clinical Research 18:11 ResearchKit and Data Collection 25:20 The Plight of Children and Women in Haiti 27:38 Understanding Haiti's Poverty 28:24 New Chapter 28:34 New Chapter 2

www.stimpack.org

Summary

This conversation delves into the complex history of Haiti, exploring the factors that have contributed to its current state of poverty. Jeff Frazier discusses the historical context of Haiti's struggles, the impact of isolation and crippling debt, the rise and fall of its golden age, and the consequences of dictatorship on investment and economic stability. The conversation culminates in identifying the missing piece necessary for Haiti's prosperity, emphasizing the importance of good governance and international relations.

Takeaways

Haiti's environmental degradation is a significant issue. The historical context of slavery and colonialism shaped Haiti's economy. Haiti was once a wealthy colony, producing immense wealth for France. Isolation and debt have severely impacted Haiti's development. The Duvalier dictatorship led to a significant decline in investment. Predictability and freedom are essential for economic growth. Haiti's golden age in the 1950s was short-lived due to political instability. The international community has focused on governance in Haiti. Understanding Haiti's history is crucial for addressing its current challenges. The missing piece for Haiti's prosperity is yet to be fully identified.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:52 The Puzzle of Haiti 01:35 Haiti's Poverty and Food Insecurity 03:22 Gangs and Control in Port-au-Prince 04:17 Haiti's Potential and Missing Piece 06:51 The Journey Begins: Captivity and Enslavement 08:41 The Revolt: A Fight for Freedom 11:00 Haiti's Independence: A New Dawn 13:04 The Burden of Debt: France's Demands 17:06 The Golden Age: A Brief Resurgence 22:43 The Downward Spiral: Economic Collapse 24:57 New Chapter 25:07 New Chapter 2 25:12 New Chapter 3

www.StimPack.org

https://www.instagram.com/stimpack_haiti/

https://www.youtube.com/@stimpack_haiti

Summary

Season three of the podcast is finally here after a long break. The host expresses gratitude for the patience of the listeners and their eagerness to contribute to making progress in Haiti. The podcast aims to educate and equip listeners to address the issues in Haiti, particularly child exploitation and critical poverty. The host shares stories of abandoned children and the challenges of development work in Haiti. He discusses the need for scalable solutions and the importance of influencing policy and foreign aid. The political situation in Haiti, including the power vacuum and the role of gangs, is also highlighted. The host reflects on the lack of a special envoy from the US and considers his own qualifications for the role. Jeff Frazier recounts his journey to secure the special envoy appointment for Haiti. He describes how he started calling around and gathered a small team to open doors for him. Jeff believed that if there was a dearth of qualified and willing candidates for the position, he could make a push in DC to get the appointment. He attended a gala where he had the opportunity to meet Brian Nichols, the Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere. Jeff approached Brian and asked for his support in obtaining the special envoy appointment, but they were not aligned in their views.

Keywords

season three, podcast, gratitude, patience, progress, Haiti, child exploitation, critical poverty, abandoned children, development work, scalable solutions, policy, foreign aid, political situation, power vacuum, gangs, special envoy, US, special envoy appointment, DC, support, gala, Brian Nichols, congressional support, Haiti caucus, politicians, leadership, constituents, State Department, Haiti policy, gangs, poverty

Takeaways

Season three of the podcast focuses on addressing the issues of child exploitation and critical poverty in Haiti. Development work in Haiti requires scalable solutions and a focus on influencing policy and foreign aid. The political situation in Haiti, including the power vacuum and the role of gangs, has contributed to the challenges faced by the country. The lack of a special envoy from the US has hindered progress in Haiti, and the host reflects on his own qualifications for the role. Jeff Frazier embarked on a campaign to secure the special envoy appointment for Haiti, gathering support and opening doors in DC. He attended a gala where he had the opportunity to meet Brian Nichols, the Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, but they were not aligned in their views. Jeff realized that in order to obtain the appointment, he would need congressional support and began identifying legislators who cared about Haiti. He observed the two-faced nature of politicians and the importance of constituents in influencing their actions. Jeff's pursuit of the special envoy appointment led him to become involved in Haiti policy issues and contribute in less formal ways. Through his research, Jeff and his team uncovered a grand unified theory of Haiti policy that they will explore in Season 3 of the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Season Three Kickoff 02:43 Child Exploitation and Critical Poverty in Haiti 07:02 Challenges Faced by NGOs and the Impact of Foreign Aid 13:39 The Assassination and Power Vacuum in Haiti 18:19 The Role of the International Community in Haiti 21:43 The Search for a Qualified and Willing Special Envoy 27:55 Making a Push in D.C. for the Special Envoy Appointment 32:09 A Conversation with Brian Nichols at the Gala 34:41 The Importance of Congressional Support 40:17 Observations on Two-Faced Politicians 44:23 The Power of Constituent Influence 47:33 Discovering a Grand Unified Theory of Haiti Policy 51:16 New Chapter 2

Summary

In the finale episode of the Stimpak podcast, Mary and Jeff Frazier discuss their homecoming and the emotional experiences they had during that time. They talk about their journey to the airport, the reunion at the car, and their first moments together in America. They share their feelings of excitement, nervousness, and relief. They also discuss the physical changes they both experienced, such as weight loss and the need to adjust to normal eating habits. The couple reflects on the parallel experiences they had during their separation and how it brought them closer together as a team. In this conversation, Mary and Jeff Frazier discuss their experience with therapy after Mary's kidnapping and the importance of healing and recovery. They highlight the specialized therapists available for kidnapping and hostage situations and the need for support in the aftermath of trauma. They also discuss the challenges of reintegrating into daily life and the triggers that can bring back traumatic memories. The Fraziers express their gratitude for the support they received from family, friends, and the community, and emphasize the importance of helping others who have experienced similar trauma. They conclude by announcing their plans for Season 3 of the Stimpak podcast, which will focus on solutions for Haiti.

Takeaways

The homecoming was a mix of excitement, nervousness, and relief for both Mary and Jeff. They experienced parallel physical and emotional changes during their separation. The couple bonded and became a stronger team through their shared experiences. Adjusting to normal life and eating habits was a challenge for both of them. Specialized therapists are available for individuals who have experienced kidnapping and hostage situations. Recovery from trauma takes time and may involve triggers that bring back traumatic memories. Support from family, friends, and the community is crucial in the healing process. The Fraziers express gratitude for the support they received and emphasize the importance of helping others who have experienced trauma. Season 3 of the Stimpak podcast will focus on solutions for Haiti and how to lift the country out of its current situation.

Sound Bites

"We're at the end of this long and painful journey." "I was just so excited to get to the airport." "Your eyes looked a certain way for the first few days. I think it's gotta be a shock thing." "This is just so, you in your situation, it's like a hundred percent recovery." "Your subconscious mind associates the two and is worried that you are and doesn't know better, right?" "We kept on getting healthier and realizing like, Oh, actually we weren't that healthy."

Jeff Frazier interviews Austin Holmes, who played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff's release from kidnapping in Haiti. Austin is described as having the skill set and integrity needed for the job. The conversation covers their initial interactions, the challenges they faced, and the negotiations with the kidnappers. They discuss the importance of trust, the difficulties of communication, and the impact of external factors like the Bois-Caïman gang. Austin also praises Mary, Jeff's wife, for her authenticity, discernment, and ability to see the bigger picture. The conversation highlights the transformation and growth of Mary during the kidnapping ordeal. She initially deferred to the experts but eventually took on the responsibility of making decisions on her own behalf. The negotiation process involved resetting trust and rules multiple times. The team had to navigate the complexity of dealing with different negotiators and decision-makers within the gang. The final accord was reached by consistently holding the gang accountable and refusing to adjust the terms. The live exchange was a tense moment, with concerns about potential points of failure and the need for validation. The conversation also emphasizes the ongoing challenges and issues in Haiti that need to be addressed.

Takeaways

 Austin Holmes played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff Frazier's release from kidnapping in Haiti. Trust was a key factor in the negotiations, and Austin had to work to establish trust with Jeff and his family. Communication was challenging due to the difficult circumstances and the need for secrecy. External factors, such as the presence of the Bois-Caïman gang, added complexity to the situation. Mary, Jeff's wife, was praised for her authenticity, discernment, and ability to see the bigger picture. Mary underwent a transformation during the kidnapping ordeal, taking on the responsibility of making decisions on her own behalf. The negotiation process involved resetting trust and rules multiple times. Dealing with different negotiators and decision-makers within the gang added complexity to the negotiation process. The final accord was reached by consistently holding the gang accountable and refusing to adjust the terms. The live exchange was a tense moment, with concerns about potential points of failure and the need for validation. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and issues in Haiti that need to be addressed.

Sound Bites

"Austin is one of my freedom fighters on my lifelong freedom fighters team." "We had a problem. His name was Jeff Frazier." "We had to sideline Jeff. So everything became about regaining control and getting the microphone back." "Faithful, resilient, crazy her and Aaron were awesome to work with and she's a pretty remarkable person." "What a transformation, right? I mean, that's a pill right there, right? And the strength and backbone to see that, acknowledge it, and to step up to the plate to be responsible for it." "We paid, they agreed to give you up and they And they're demanding the hundred K again"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Austin Holmes

10:33 The First Payment and Trust Issues

21:26 The Impact of the Bois-Colais Movement

23:33 Mary's Role and Discernment

27:37 Transformation and Taking Responsibility

34:57 Being Aggressive and Consistent in Negotiations

39:50 Reaching an Accord and the Live Exchange

48:59 Addressing the Ongoing Issues in Haiti

51:06 Artificial Intelligence and Automation

51:07 Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age