📖 Overview
Gary Haugen is the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization focused on combating modern slavery, human trafficking, and other forms of violence against people living in poverty. He established IJM in 1997 after serving as Director of the United Nations investigation into the Rwandan genocide.
Prior to founding IJM, Haugen worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and served as the Officer in Charge of the UN genocide investigation in Rwanda. His experience in Rwanda significantly influenced his understanding of systemic violence and the need for functioning public justice systems.
Haugen has authored several books including "Good News About Injustice," "Just Courage," and "The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence." His written work focuses on the relationship between poverty and violence, arguing that everyday violence is a crucial but often overlooked factor in perpetuating global poverty.
His work has been recognized through various awards including the Trafficking in Persons Report Hero Award from the U.S. State Department and the Wilberforce Forum Award. He holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago, where he graduated cum laude, and a B.A. in Social Studies from Harvard University.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Haugen's ability to present complex global justice issues through compelling real-world examples and data. Multiple reviews note his practical approach to addressing systemic violence and poverty.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of how violence perpetuates poverty
- Integration of personal experiences from Rwanda and IJM cases
- Actionable steps for readers to get involved
- Balance of statistics with human stories
What readers disliked:
- Some found "The Locust Effect" repetitive in its arguments
- A few readers wanted more detailed solutions
- Several noted religious overtones may not appeal to secular readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "Good News About Injustice": 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- "The Locust Effect": 4.3/5 (900+ ratings)
- "Just Courage": 4.1/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Average 4.5/5 across all books
- 90% of reviews 4 stars or higher
One reader summarized: "Haugen presents overwhelming evidence while maintaining hope that change is possible through specific, proven interventions."
📚 Books by Gary Haugen
Good News About Injustice (1999)
An examination of human rights abuses worldwide and strategies for addressing them through a Christian perspective.
Terrify No More (2005) Documents the rescue of children from sex trafficking in Cambodia and the work of International Justice Mission.
Just Courage (2008) Explores the connection between Christian faith and the pursuit of justice through personal stories and case studies.
The Locust Effect (2014) Analysis of how violence and lack of law enforcement perpetuate poverty in developing nations.
To End All Slavery (2020) Overview of modern slavery's scope and impact, with focus on practical solutions to combat human trafficking globally.
Just Leadership (2023) Examination of leadership principles for organizations working in justice and human rights sectors.
Terrify No More (2005) Documents the rescue of children from sex trafficking in Cambodia and the work of International Justice Mission.
Just Courage (2008) Explores the connection between Christian faith and the pursuit of justice through personal stories and case studies.
The Locust Effect (2014) Analysis of how violence and lack of law enforcement perpetuate poverty in developing nations.
To End All Slavery (2020) Overview of modern slavery's scope and impact, with focus on practical solutions to combat human trafficking globally.
Just Leadership (2023) Examination of leadership principles for organizations working in justice and human rights sectors.
👥 Similar authors
William Wilberforce wrote extensively about fighting systemic injustice and the abolition of slavery, with themes of Christian faith motivating social action. His work addresses institutional reform and moral responsibility similar to Haugen's focus on justice systems.
Bryan Stevenson documents his work with death row inmates and reform of the criminal justice system through the Equal Justice Initiative. His writings examine systemic poverty and racial inequality in legal systems.
Nicholas Wolterstorff explores philosophical and theological foundations for justice and human rights from a Christian perspective. His work analyzes the relationship between faith, justice, and human dignity in modern society.
Jim Wallis writes about faith-based approaches to addressing poverty, racism, and social justice issues. His books examine how religious conviction can drive systemic change and justice reform.
David Batstone investigates modern slavery and human trafficking through detailed research and firsthand accounts. His work combines investigative reporting with practical solutions for combating exploitation and injustice.
Bryan Stevenson documents his work with death row inmates and reform of the criminal justice system through the Equal Justice Initiative. His writings examine systemic poverty and racial inequality in legal systems.
Nicholas Wolterstorff explores philosophical and theological foundations for justice and human rights from a Christian perspective. His work analyzes the relationship between faith, justice, and human dignity in modern society.
Jim Wallis writes about faith-based approaches to addressing poverty, racism, and social justice issues. His books examine how religious conviction can drive systemic change and justice reform.
David Batstone investigates modern slavery and human trafficking through detailed research and firsthand accounts. His work combines investigative reporting with practical solutions for combating exploitation and injustice.