Podcast
Real Dictators
The author of this book discussed the impact of Fidel Castro's rise to power in Cuba on the political position of the Haitian dictator Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier. It was suggested that this event gave Duvalier an opportunity to portray himself as an anti-communist ally, which helped him to maintain power.
The rise of Castro and the Cuban revolution was an absolute boon for Duvalier because it took the heat off him in terms of the State Department worrying about the Caribbean.
— Episode: Papa Doc Part 2: Haiti’s Dictator vs JFK
Episode: Papa Doc Part 2: Haiti’s Dictator vs JFK
The author of this book discussed the impact of Fidel Castro's rise to power in Cuba on the political position of the Haitian dictator Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier. It was suggested that this event gave Duvalier an opportunity to portray himself as an anti-communist ally, which helped him to maintain power.
The rise of Castro and the Cuban revolution was an absolute boon for Duvalier because it took the heat off him in terms of the State Department worrying about the Caribbean.
He was reportedly in a coma for quite a long period, and there is some evidence, though it's very hard to prove, that this may have created some brain damage or some long-lasting change in his behaviour.