A Problem from Hell

"A Problem from Hell": America and the Age of Genocide (Basic Books, 2003, ISBN 0060541644) is a book by Samantha Power, Professor of Human Rights Practice at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, which explores America's relationship with genocides from the Armenian genocide to the "ethnic cleansings" of the Kosovo War. It won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 2003.

Summary

Preface

A Problem from Hell argues that American citizens, journalists, and policymakers traditionally refuse to imagine that genocides can take place, and once atrocities begin, expect that ordinary citizens will avoid persecution. Power argues that Americans would rather negotiate, use traditional diplomacy, urge ceasefires, and donate humanitarian aid than condemn, advocate, or use military action. The book details how American policymakers fail to take the lead on these conflicts, especially since not enough pressure from the public creates risks for inaction. When genocide occurs, policymakers tend to avoid the word "genocide" and argue that national interests trump interest in foreign conflicts, that U.S. response is futile, or that U.S response would amplify atrocities. (xvii-xviii)

Awards

• Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction
• Robert F. Kennedy Book Award
• National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction
• Raphael Lemkin Award (Institute for the Study of Genocide)

External links

• Reviews of "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide

References

• Samantha Power: "A Problem from Hell": America and the Age of Genocide. Harper Perennial, 2003. ISBN 9780060541644