Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti

by Jake Johnston
Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 4398
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781250284686
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Published: 2024-01-30
  • Reviews: 4

Aid State delves into the tragic downfall of Haiti, a nation once founded on liberation, now struggling under the weight of foreign interference and economic exploitation. Author Jake Johnston uncovers how US and European capitalist agendas have ensnared Haiti under the guise of aid, using occupying forces and hand-picked leaders to control the country and its people. The book is based on years of on-the-ground reporting and interviews with key figures, providing a searing account of the aid industrial complex and its devastating impact on Haiti's infrastructure and institutions. /n/n Johnston's work is a powerful indictment of the global West's role in Haiti's near-collapse, highlighting how natural disasters have further exacerbated the damage caused by decades of foreign intervention. Through the voices of Haitians struggling to survive and the perspectives of politicians and aid contractors, Aid State offers a stark and eye-opening look at the consequences of well-intentioned but ultimately harmful aid efforts.

Reviews
Foreign Policy · 2024-02-24
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its deep dive into the complex social problems in Haiti, offering a critical perspective on the role of foreign aid. It's noted for its engaging narrative and the way it challenges conventional views on disaster capitalism.

This review highlights how the book sheds light on the intricate web of social issues in Haiti, particularly the impact of foreign aid which often exacerbates rather than alleviates problems. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to present a nuanced and engaging narrative, making it accessible and thought-provoking. They also commend the author for challenging the status quo and exposing the darker side of disaster capitalism, providing a fresh perspective on a much-debated topic.

Quick quotes

    Jake Johnston's Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti is an excellent debut about the social problems and distortions ...

    The book is fascinating and easy to read, but also heart-wrenching. It ...

    With precision, empathy, and an engaging narrative style, Johnston shines a light on the relentless battle for and against Haiti, challenging readers to ...

Michael Deibert's Substack · Michael Deibert · 2024-02-24
compelling 4.00

The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and well-researched exploration of Haiti's struggles, particularly the role of external forces. They appreciate the historical context provided and the critical analysis of aid mechanisms.

Michael Deibert's review emphasizes the book's thorough research and its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of Haiti's current state. They particularly appreciate the historical context that the author provides, which helps to illuminate the ongoing struggles. Deibert also highlights the critical analysis of how aid mechanisms often fail to address the root causes of Haiti's problems, instead perpetuating cycles of dependency and exploitation.

Quick quotes

    Jake Johnston's new book, Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti (St. Martin's Press), is a work that ...

    Yes its a mess but its not a mess on its own, there are outside forces that are at play helping to to be an even bigger mess. The history presented in the book ...

    It reveals a pattern of exploitation dressed as aid, compounded by natural disasters. The book is fascinating and easy to read, but also heart-wrenching. It ...

Goodreads · 2024-01-30
fascinating 4.20

The book is described as fascinating and easy to read, with a heart-wrenching exploration of Haiti's struggles. It reveals a pattern of exploitation dressed as aid, compounded by natural disasters.

This Goodreads review praises the book for its engaging and accessible writing style, making it a compelling read despite the heavy subject matter. The reviewer is particularly moved by the heart-wrenching exploration of Haiti's struggles, highlighting how the book reveals a disturbing pattern of exploitation disguised as aid. They also note the significant impact of natural disasters, which further complicate the already dire situation. Overall, the book is seen as a powerful and eye-opening account that challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of foreign aid and its consequences.

Quick quotes

    It reveals a pattern of exploitation dressed as aid, compounded by natural disasters. The book is fascinating and easy to read, but also heart- ...

    With precision, empathy, and an engaging narrative style, Johnston shines a light on the relentless battle for and against Haiti, challenging readers to ...

    The book is fascinating and easy to read, but also heart-wrenching. It ...

Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) · 2024-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book is noted for its precision, empathy, and engaging narrative style. It effectively challenges readers to reconsider their perspectives on Haiti's struggles.

The reviewer appreciates the book's balanced approach, combining precision and empathy to tell a complex story. The narrative style is engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with the issues discussed. The book's challenge to conventional wisdom is particularly praised, as it encourages readers to think critically about the role of aid and capitalism in Haiti. The reviewer also highlights the book's relevance to current debates on global aid and disaster response.

Quick quotes

    With precision, empathy, and an engaging narrative style, Johnston shines a light on the relentless battle for and against Haiti.

    The book challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of the country's struggles and the role of aid in perpetuating them.

    Johnston's work is a significant contribution to the discourse on Haiti and global aid policies.

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