In an incredible piece of Journalism, Samantha Power investigates the USA's response to genocide, revealing it to be at best lackluster and at worst actively harmful. Stretching from 1915 - 1999 Power investigates 7 different genocides, all of which destroy the myth of America as a nation concerned with prevention of Genocide. Power emphasises that the US turned a blind eye to refugee testimonies of genocide in Cambodia, funded Hussein's genocide of the Kurd's in Iraq, blocked UN intervention in Rwanda and only acted against genocide in Albania and Kosovo after extensive delays. The insights into the selfishness that drives governmental decision making, in the US and globally are incredibly eye opening, as are the difficulties in enacting change through governmental processes.

However, due to the fact that Power primarily focuses on the American response to genocide, she sometimes leaves out relevant information with regards to the actions of other countries. For example, she glosses over the actively harmful impacts of Operation Turquoise during the Rwandan genocide, as well as the French and Belgian role in funding the genocidal Rwandan government and the fact that UN aid allowed perpetrators of genocide to monopolize resources and evade arrest.

Power is ultimately correct in labeling this, "a Problem From Hell" and her book is a harrowing, yet vital exploration of genocide and all the ways we have failed to prevent it.