A Book Review: Samuel P. Jackson's "Rich Land Poor Country: The Paradox of Poverty in Liberia"

by Edward Doe, Associate Editor

Global African News

Rich Land Poor Country "The Paradox of Poverty" in Liberia

Published April 9, 2019

Rich Land Poor Country, by Samuel P. Jackson is an excellent read. It is one of my favorite books which I have placed on my book list of good reads. In Rich Land Poor Country, Samuel P. Jackson explored the factors that made Liberia the poorest country on the planet. The author explored the country’s history, impact of the North Atlantic Slave trade on the formation of Liberia and delves into the sociopolitical reasons for its status as a failed state due to the result of 14 years of a barbarous civil conflict. The book covers the period from 1492 to the end of 2017, including the discovery of “America” by Christopher Columbus, the impact of cotton and the plantation system on the modern economy of Liberia.

The author analyzes reasons for Liberia’s poor state of development, and reviews the measurements used to determine the status of livelihoods in Africa’s oldest republic. In the author's narrative, the book begins with a shameful and uneasy episode in the country’s recent history as a means of understanding the current mindset of officials and how easily they can be manipulated to sell the country and its image for peanuts. Moreover, it discusses the incestuous relationship between donor nations especially the United States of America and successive corrupt Liberian governments.

Sam Jackson's interview on Focus on Liberia Jan 23, 2020

About Samuel P. Jackson

Samuel P. Jackson is one of the most prolific and longest-serving Liberian economists and Politian. His brute persona, unreserved passion, unabashed eloquence, and antagonizing public debate-style have earned him a reputation as one of Liberia's fearless and most notable international development experts.

Samuel P. Jackson (Sam) was born in Liberia, West Africa but spent most of his adult life in the United States of America. Sam is a Liberian financial economist with over 40 years of private and public service experience. He has worked as a merchant banker, investment manager, and development consultant. His experience spans the political economy of Liberia as an activist, politician and stakeholder.

Sam is very passionate about the well-being of Liberians, and he has extensively researched and written a book about why Liberia is such a rich land, yet its people are impoverished. The book Rich Land, Poor Country is probably the most comprehensive written work on the social, political and economic dispensation of Liberia. Sam's second book How a Pathogen Ruled the World: Global Health Crisis in 2020 Exposed Inequalities & Vulnerabilities is also available on Amazon books.