Former Haitian Ambassador to the United States Delivers Lecture on U.S. Foreign Policy and Haiti’s Path to Stability
The Department of Political Science hosted His Excellency Hervé Denis, former Ambassador of Haiti to the United States and Minister of Defense, for a guest lecture in Adjunct Professor Johanna LeBlanc’s American Foreign Policy course on September 10, 2025.
The lecture, titled “Haiti in Crisis: U.S. Foreign Policy Responses and Pathways to Stability,” offered students a timely and in-depth analysis of Haiti’s ongoing political and security challenges. Ambassador Denis, who brings over 40 years of distinguished experience in diplomacy and public service, provided historical context for the nation’s instability, tracing the complex interplay of domestic governance issues, international interventions, and shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities toward the Caribbean.
Drawing from his extensive diplomatic background—including prior appointments as Haiti’s Ambassador to Taiwan and Canada—Ambassador Denis examined how bilateral and multilateral partnerships can be strengthened to foster long-term stability. He emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, institution-building, and regional cooperation as pillars for sustainable recovery.
Students engaged in a robust discussion on how U.S. engagement strategies can evolve to better support democratic institutions and economic development in fragile states. The lecture is part of Professor LeBlanc’s ongoing effort to expose students to real-world policy practitioners and to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the study of American foreign policy.
The event underscores the Department’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement as integral components of political science education.
