In 1804 Haiti became the world's first independent black republic following a slave revolution. Two centuries later, ravaged by colonialism and violence, it was placed under UN military occupation. This book charts the country's recent history, from the 2004 coup against President Aristide to the devastating 2010 earthquake, revealing a shocking story of abuse and indifference by international forces. Justin Podur unmasks the grim reality of a supposedly benign international occupation, arguing that the denial of sovereignty is the fundamental cause of Haiti's problems.