“At the U.N., I routinely encounter countries that do not want to impose sanctions or even to enforce those already on the books. The hard-line sanctions skeptics have their own self-interested reasons for opposing sanctions, but they ground their opposition in claims that America uses sanctions to inflict punishment for punishment's sake.”

Irish-American journalist, diplomat, and government official

Samantha Jane Power is an Irish-American journalist, diplomat, and government official. She served as the United States ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2017 and later led the United States Agency for International Development from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Power has worked across journalism and public service at the highest level. Her career is tied to international affairs, diplomacy, and development policy, and her public voice is often associated with the responsibilities of American foreign policy.