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The StimPack Podcast

The StimPack Podcast

By: Jeff Frazier
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 STIMPACK is a Haiti focused think tank and interventional NGO. We look for points of leverage to help Haitians lift their entire country out of extreme poverty. This podcast discusses those points.2024 Economics Management Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • S3.E7 - Considering Haiti as a Crime State with guest Dr. Felbab-Brown

    S3.E7 - Considering Haiti as a Crime State with guest Dr. Felbab-Brown
    Mar 28 2025
    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. Stay Connected 🎧 Subscribe to The Stimpack Podcast → [https://stimpack.org/season-3] 🌐 Learn more about STIMPACK → [https://www.stimpack.org] 📱 Follow Us on Instagram → [ / stimpack_haiti ] ▶️ Watch Jeff's Kidnapping story → [ • Prologue - 43 Days to Freedom ] #HaitiCrisis #GangsInHaiti #StimpackPodcast #VandaFelbabBrown #PortauPrince #MSSM #Haiti2025 #HaitianGangs #BrookingsInstitution #OrganizedCrime #HaitiViolence #GangTakeover #HumanitarianCrisis #PoliticalCollapse #JeffFrazier
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    45 mins
  • S3.E6 - Diego Da Rin (Int. Crisis Group) joins us to talk about Haiti’s Security Crisis

    S3.E6 - Diego Da Rin (Int. Crisis Group) joins us to talk about Haiti’s Security Crisis
    Mar 13 2025

    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

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    43 mins
  • S3.E5 - Saving Haiti: Who’s Responsible?

    S3.E5 - Saving Haiti: Who’s Responsible?
    Mar 7 2025

    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
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    21 mins

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