Upholding Democracy: The United States Military Campaign in Haiti, 1994-1997

(Hardback)

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An inside account of the U.S. military operation to restore Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power in 1994, this study demonstrates progress made in joint warfighting in the period following the end of the Cold War, including improvements in command and control, joint force integration, and techniques for successful humanitarian operations.^L With ties to Haiti that date back over one hundred years, the United States could not stand by as a coup ousted Aristide in 1990. When the coup leaders refused to leave peacefully, forces authorized by the U.N. Security Council deployed toward Haiti. Diplomatic efforts by former President Carter, General Powell, and Senator Nunn eventually obtained the cooperation of coup leaders in the final hour, and on September 19, 1994, the first of over 50,000 U.S. military personnel arrived to ensure security, facilitate Aristide's return, and professionalize the Haitian security forces.^L General Henry Shelton, later the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commanded the joint task force that entered Haiti under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter during one of the few recent instances of U.N. intervention without the concurrence of the host nation. While the operation was unique, its innovations will benefit planners for decades as humanitarian actions around the world continue to be important. This book illustrates the challenges of remaining engaged in support of the United Nations and of conducting modern military operations, which are highly dependent on close interagency and multinational coordination.

Reviews

"Here is the first in-depth analysis of how truly joint military operations should be planned and executed. Dr. Ballard provides the unique perspective of both academician and military officer in organizing and analyzing a complex series of operations that required the training and coordination of multinational forces, government agencies, as well as non-governmental and private organizations. Flexible planning, joint training, clear lines of command and control, and decisive leadership determined the successful restoration of democracy in Haiti. This study also demonstrates the mutually beneficial cooperation between staffs of the action-oriented command, USACOM, and the analytical teaching institution, the Armed Forces Staff College. A free exchange of ideas and the evolution of joint doctrine are preparing our future leaders to become champions of jointness."-William R. McClintock, Ph.D Command Historian U.S. Atlantic Command
"John Ballard's book, Upholding Democracy, is an excellent account of intensive, well-coordinated military planning and well-executed, adaptable implementation of the U.S. military operation in Haiti, 1994-97. He also provides a useful, fact-filled introductory section on events there from its becoming a French colony in 1697 through Aristide's overthrow in 1991 and the beginning of planning for his return. However, what takes it to even higher levels of achievement, and broader interest, is the author's insight into the critical non-military factors."-Ambassador Robert B. Oakley Institute for National Strategic Studies
"Ballard...masterly depicts the importance of support from governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private volunteer organizations and the difficulties encountered coordinating their activities....Ultimately the author succeeds in his analysis of the ingredients for success in operations other than war. While this is not a book of lessons in small unit tactics, it is imminently useful in developing an understanding of the broader scope of such operations....provide[s] the reader with the ingredients on how individual and unit actions should fit within the strategic and operational framework of future missions."-Marine Corps Gazette
Ballard carefully expounds on conventional mission objectives, and his explanation of the role of psychological operations is especially informative.-Military Review
Ballard provides an excellent description of military contingency planning for what would become Operation Uphold Democracy....The most interesting part of his book is where Ballard describes military operations in Haiti; his prose is chronological and informative, providing a judicial yet valid assessment....He carefully expounds on conventional mission objectives, and his explanation of the role of psychological operations is especially informative.-Military Review
Ballard...masterly depicts the importance of support from governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private volunteer organizations and the difficulties encountered coordinating their activities....Ultimately the author succeeds in his analysis of the ingredients for success in operations other than war. While this is not a book of lessons in small unit tactics, it is imminently useful in developing an understanding of the broader scope of such operations....provide[s] the reader with the ingredients on how individual and unit actions should fit within the strategic and operational framework of future missions.-Marine Corps Gazette
Ballard's account is readable and valuable for the depth and clarity of analysis.-Joint Forces Quarterly
"Ballard carefully expounds on conventional mission objectives, and his explanation of the role of psychological operations is especially informative."-Military Review
"Ballard provides an excellent description of military contingency planning for what would become Operation Uphold Democracy....The most interesting part of his book is where Ballard describes military operations in Haiti; his prose is chronological and informative, providing a judicial yet valid assessment....He carefully expounds on conventional mission objectives, and his explanation of the role of psychological operations is especially informative."-Military Review
"Ballard's account is readable and valuable for the depth and clarity of analysis."-Joint Forces Quarterly

Author Bio

JOHN R. BALLARD, Ph.D, is Professor of Joint Military Operations at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.