The Locust Effect

Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence

By: Gary A. Haugen, Victor Boutros

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

While the world has made encouraging strides in the fight against global poverty, there is a hidden crisis silently undermining our best efforts to help the poor.

It is a plague of everyday violence.

Beneath the surface of the world’s poorest communities, common violence—like rape, forced labor, illegal detention, land theft, police abuse and other brutality—has become routine and relentless. And like a horde of locusts devouring everything in their path, the unchecked plague of violence ruins lives, blocks the road out of poverty, and undercuts development.

How has this plague of violence grown so ferocious? The answer is terrifying, and startlingly simple: There’s nothing shielding the poor from violent people. In one of the most remarkable—and unremarked upon—social disasters of the last half century, basic public justice systems in the developing world have descended into a state of utter collapse.

Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros offer a searing account of how we got here—and what it will take to end the plague. Filled with vivid real-life stories and startling new data, The Locust Effect is a gripping journey into the streets and slums where fear is a daily reality for billions of the world’s poorest, where safety is secured only for those with money, and where much of our well-intended aid is lost in the daily chaos of violence.

While their call to action is urgent, Haugen and Boutros provide hope, a real solution and an ambitious way forward. The Locust Effect is a wake-up call. Its massive implications will forever change the way we understand global poverty—and will help secure a safe path to prosperity for the global poor in the 21st century.

©2014 Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

" The Locust Effect is a compelling reminder that if we are to create a 21st century of shared prosperity, we cannot turn a blind eye to the violence that threatens our common humanity." (President Bill Clinton)

" The Locust Effect provides a much-needed argument for reducing violence against the poor.... By reminding us that basic legal protections are not a privilege, but a universal right, Gary Haugen has issued a moral call to arms that informs the brain and touches the heart." (Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State)

Comparable to "Why nations fail"

What did you like best about this story?

Very plausible explaination of a great point than comes along perfectly in line with the conclusions of "Why nations fail".

Which scene was your favorite?

There was no favorite scene. I sometimes became a bit tired of the indepted stories but I am afraid they were necessary to make the point. It might have been possible to cut down a bit on the length of the stories without missing the point.

Well written, informative, transformative book

This book exceeded my expectations making the case for the relationship between violence and poverty particularly in the developing world. We have reason for alarm and for hope.

Must read

Make it to chapter 5 without crying, I dare you. After that it's an educational experience.

An Important Message

This book changed how I view poverty, justice, and development priorities. The author puts forward a compelling case for the need for better criminal justice systems in developing countries. He explains the reasons that prevent it, and lists practical steps to overcome them. It is both a distressing and a hopeful message. From now on, when I am considering a charity to support, I will look into their efforts in this area.

The narration was smooth, allowing the message to come out clearly.

Challenging subject matter

This is a really confronting book at times, but yields amazing insights into the world we think we know and challenges your world view.

I was particularly stunned at the reality of violence against women and the poor in Bangalore, India- given the view in the developing world that it is India's silicon valley and a modern day economic miracle, and through work have daily interaction and dealings with this part of the world- to say this book has adjusted my worldview is an understatement.

While completely different in purpose, the magnitude of dissonance this inspired in my view of the world reminded me of "Man's search for meaning" by Viktor Frankl, in that you can't read this detailed summary of the effects of violence on the poor across the world and come away the same thinker as you were before- and what more could you ask for from a good non fiction book?

opens your eyes

Frighteningly eye-opening. However it does not only show us the unbelievably cruel aspects of the life of the poor - it also gives hope, that we can do something to change this situation. It has been done and it worked. A must-read.

A Must-Read

This is a must-read book for anyone who is interested in development in third-world countries and brining justice to all people.

Eye-opening view into violence against the poor

Gary Haugen is one of my heroes for his fearless work rooting out violence in the world's poorest places. His book documents the work of his organization, International Justice Mission, and the strategies it is employing to address the root causes of violence and improve the security and wellbeing of all the world's poor. It's difficult to imagine a more worthy cause or a better champion of that cause.

A story that needs to be told more

First and last 25% were fantastic and informative. Middle 50% was quite redundant. Nevertheless I walked away with a great appreciation for where I live and the institutions that protect me, even if they aren’t perfect.

A paradigm shift to development thinking

This book forces one to think about all the things we’re not doing to save the world. Yet it’s content is eerily familiar for one living in a developing country