Global Muckraking: 100 Years of Investigative Journalism from Around the World

by Anya Schiffrin (Editor)

Crusading journalists from Sinclair Lewis to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein have played a central role in American checking abuses of power, revealing corporate misdeeds, and exposing government corruption. Muckraking journalism is part and parcel of American democracy. But how many people know about the role that muckraking has played around the world?

This groundbreaking new book presents the most important examples of world-changing journalism, spanning one hundred years and every continent. Carefully curated by prominent international journalists working in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, Global Muckraking includes Ken Saro-Wiwa's defense of the Ogoni people in the Niger Delta; Horacio Verbitsky's uncovering of the gruesome disappearance of political detainees in Argentina; Gareth Jones's coverage of the Ukraine famine of 1932-33; missionary newspapers' coverage of Chinese foot binding in the nineteenth century; Dwarkanath Ganguli's exposé of the British "coolie" trade in nineteenth-century Assam, India; and many others.

Edited by the noted author and journalist Anya Schiffrin, Global Muckraking is a sweeping introduction to international journalism that has galvanized the world's attention. In an era when human rights are in the spotlight and the fate of newspapers hangs in the balance, here is both a riveting read and a sweeping argument for why the world needs long-form investigative reporting.

Genres: Journalism, History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2014

Reviews

[Jennifer deBie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when journalists are constantly under threat, when there is a surplus of opinions, and the facts can be difficult to sus out, Global Muckraking is a vital collection, and reminder, of everything that journalism can be, and the change it can bring to a community, and the world.

There are few happy stories here- very little good news requires the kind of investigative chops required to make it into a collection like this. From the toxic garment industry to sex trafficking, war crimes of every kind, the climate crisis, modern slavery in many forms, it's all in here, and all carefully selected from around the world. Many of these come from publications that I have never heard of, yet each one was or continues to be important to the community it serves. Each piece is introduced and contextualized before being presented, something very helpful to this reader and her woefully America-centric education in world affairs of the 20th century.

Difficult to read, but important nonetheless, Global Muckraking is a beacon and a plea to support local journalism, and pay attention to those reporting on the world beyond our borders.

[Mitchell Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Global Muckraking by Editing and composed by Anya Schiffrin is a book exemplifying 100 years of investigative journalism. The book is intriguing and informative; mainly discussing the effects large corporations and multi nationals have on developing countries. The book discusses companies such as Nike, Apple, Shell etc. The book is comprised of old and or current groundbreaking articles written by investigative journalists.

Schiffrin divides the book up into nine sections
• Labor Abuses
• Anticolonialism
• Corruption
• Oil and Mining
• The Environment and Natural Disasters
• Food Shortages and Famine
• Military and Police
• Rural Life
• Women

I really like how the book is broken down because you can focus your reading on sections more pertinent to your learning. You read a series of groundbreaking articles from Pulitzer prize winning journalists without feeling like you are out of the flow. It really gives perspective of certain power dynamics corporations and governments have on the developing world. My favorite article in the book is by Ken Saro – Wiwa “The Coming War in the Delta” which discusses Shell’s operation in Nigeria, specifically the Niger Delta river. There is an interesting take on development in the article, particularly regarding corporate social responsibility.

[Claudia Zaunz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Offers introductions with every investigative piece of journalism.

[Margery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Investigative piece by LA Times journalist Lisa Girion - led to changes in the ability corportations to avoid taking responsibilty for harming/enslaving/killing citizens of a foreign country. Game changing.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. A great introduction for students of investigative reporting.