“When confronting most crises, whether historic or contemporary, aid agencies generally muddle along on a case-by-case basis. They weigh insufficient information, extrapolate somewhat blindly about long-term pros and cons, and reluctantly arrive at decisions meant to do the most good and the least harm.”

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.