“I changed the constitution to make it impossible to amend it for another reelection. I also made the attorney general independent, so they are not selected by the president… enabling them to combat corruption, even within our own government.”
H.E. Luis Abinader
“I think it is fair to call Haiti, at this point, a failed state. About 90% of the capital is overtaken by gangs… it seems to be one of the most difficult situations anywhere in the world.”
Nicholas Logothetis
Key Takeaways
Democratic Institution Strengthening Through Constitutional Reform: President Abinader demonstrated how proactive constitutional reform can strengthen democratic institutions. Despite having a complete majority in Congress, he modified the constitution to prevent future presidents from seeking additional reelections, directly addressing a common challenge in Latin American democracies. He also made the attorney general independent from presidential selection, enhancing the judiciary’s ability to combat corruption.
Economic Growth as a Foundation for Democratic Stability: The Dominican Republic’s economic success, expected to grow 3-3.5% and attract close to $5 billion in foreign investment, demonstrates how strong institutions attract investment and create social stability. The reduction of poverty from 25.4% to 16.6% shows how economic growth can translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Regional Security Requires International Multilateral Action: President Abinader emphasized that the Haiti crisis represents both a humanitarian emergency and regional security threat. He noted that 90% of Haiti’s capital is controlled by gangs, requiring immediate international intervention rather than negotiation. The situation affects regional stability through increased narcotics trafficking and creates opportunities for cartels to operate.
Technology and Infrastructure Investment Drives Competitiveness: The Dominican Republic’s advancement into high-tech sectors, including $3 billion in medical device exports and preparation for semiconductor assembly, demonstrates how strategic technology investment can position countries for future growth. Infrastructure development in water and energy supports this technological advancement.
Action Items
Support International Intervention in Haiti: Advocate for the proposed 5,000-person international force to combat gangs in Haiti; separate political differences to address the humanitarian crisis requiring immediate action; and work through the UN Security Council to approve international intervention measures.
Strengthen Democratic Institution Frameworks: Develop constitutional safeguards against presidential term extensions in vulnerable democracies; establish independent judiciary selection processes to combat corruption; and create institutional frameworks that protect foreign investment through rule of law.
Enhance Regional Cooperation Mechanisms: Strengthen intelligence sharing to monitor criminal organizations across borders; develop regional approaches to combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime; and create multilateral frameworks for addressing failed state situations.
Invest in Technology for Democratic Resilience: Develop high-tech industrial capabilities to strengthen the economic foundations of democracy; create technology partnerships that enhance governmental capacity and transparency; and build infrastructure systems that support both economic growth and social stability.
Build Sustainable Economic Models for Democracy: Develop diversified economies that reduce poverty and create social stability; create investment climates that attract foreign capital through strong institutions; and foster tourism and service industries that provide broad-based employment opportunities.
Establish Conflict Prevention Networks: Create early warning systems for identifying potential state failures in the region; develop rapid response capabilities for humanitarian and security crises; and build partnerships between democratic countries to share best practices in institutional strengthening.
