Overview

What is slavery? What does it mean to be a slave? Why does slavery exist today and why did it exist in the past? What can be done to end it? These are important questions, and this book aims to answers them. Across the world today, more than 40 million persons are living as modern slaves. Their number is equivalent to the enslavement of the entire population of several U.S. states. The plight of these individuals is imposed on them by the existence of modern slavery, a practice otherwise known as human trafficking. Yet slavery is not new to the world and the voices of the past have much to share. At Freedom's Crossroads starts with an exploration of historical slavery in the antebellum United States. It draws upon the wisdom of former slaves such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Ann Jacobs, and Solomon Northup (12 Years A Slave); as well as abolitionists such as Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom's Cabin) and Theodore Dwight Weld; and even slavery's past advocates such as Edmund Ruffin and David Christy; to present a single perspective of slavery and its slaves. It then extends its range to incorporate present-day realities, before using what has been learned to challenge some governmental approaches to sex trafficking in prostitution. Two decades have now passed since the Netherlands, Sweden, and New Zealand embarked on a common journey, by different routes, to end human trafficking in their domestic sex trades. The Netherlands adopted a regulatory approach through legalization. Inspired by radical feminist thought, Sweden opted for abolition by criminalizing the buyer of sexual services. New Zealand decriminalized prostitution. The passage of time, and the application of insights into the essence of slavery, now permits the wisdom of their respective policies to be assessed. At Freedom's Crossroads is written for citizen and legislator alike. It is written for those who are students and for those who are teachers. It will be of assistance to those who find themselves struggling amidst the debate over modern slavery and human trafficking, trying to reconcile seemingly irreconcilable claims. It strives to challenge ideas about slaves and their slavery, and to challenge some of the conditions that give rise to both. In as much as it aims to make sense of slavery it strives to empower the reader, and through empowerment it hopes the reader will come to find their own role in efforts to end it.

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9781739842918

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Reviews

An exceptional book which helps the reader make valuable connections between the wrongs of the past and what is currently happening in the world today. Connections which must be made visible and acknowledged in order for things to change. The forensic research exposes the heart wrenching existence of many, at times even hard to imagine but we must go there for those who are suffering now are dependent on us applying the logic and reasoning which the author has done impeccably. As a survivor of the sex trade who has experienced and witnessed the trauma inflicted upon us, it should not still be the case where women & girls need to 'prove their humanity' in order for states to protect us from all who exploit. Mia de Faoite LLM, Coordinator of the Beyond Exploitation Campaign, Ireland.This is a must-read for all who want to gain a deeper understanding of modern slavery, its root causes and the conditions under which it thrives, how and why perpetrators benefit from it. Importantly, it offers a convincing explanation on why human trafficking for sexual exploitation continues to flourish in an environment where prostitution is legalized - and why the Swedish (or Equality) model might be a better alternative. David Lohan's book is a very comprehensive work and by providing a thorough introduction into the history of slavery in the United States, the author sheds new light on the mechanisms of today's modern slavery. At SOLWODI, we support several hundred victims of human trafficking each year - women who have suffered severe physical and mental abuse, who are deeply traumatized. May the insights shared in this book contribute to ending this de-humanizing practice. Dr. Maria Decker, Chairwoman, SOLWODI Deutschland e.V..With this new book, David Lohan once again proves his gift for exploring the historical and philosophical depths of significant constructs that have been often overlooked due to their frequent and sometimes inaccurate use. By employing logical parallels to colonial slavery and by exposing its inhuman 'economic rationale' and unfathomable violence, the author presents his innovative perspective on human trafficking. The trafficking of women and children into prostitution is unpacked in an informed factual way with compelling analysis. An exceptional read for those working on human trafficking and all people interested in this phenomenon. Dr. Nusha Yonkova, a well-recognized expert in human trafficking, migration, and gender-based violence at Irish and European Union (EU) levels.The author's holistic approach to the subject provides a good foundation for anyone looking to gain insight into the concept of human trafficking in general, a form of slavery which continues through new labels. The book is structured into sections that take the reader on a journey through the history of slavery, setting the scene for the recognition of new patterns and differing characteristics of modern slavery . The underlying themes of profiteering, culpable governance, and dehumanization amid race relations echo throughout the book reflecting the presence of such themes in the capitalist world of yesterday, today, and potentially tomorrow. This book serves as an important tool that should be used to educate, inform, and raise awareness. Dr. Salome Mbugua, Head of Operations & Strategy, AkiDwa.

Author Information

David Lohan is an Irish author, researcher, and engineer. Over 25 years, he has worked in the private sector and for a time too in the charitable sector, where he first encountered modern slavery or human trafficking. David's first work, a co-authored book entitled Open Secrets: An Irish Perspective on Trafficking & Witchcraft, scrutinizes the use of Juju in coercing Africans into modern slavery. He later contributed to Mission, Migration and the Ministry of Exorcism published in Rome. He has been active in successfully campaigning for legislative change addressing sex trafficking in Ireland. His latest work is At Freedom's Crossroads Making Sense of Modern Slavery. Check out his blog www.DavidLohan.com

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