David Bosco

From Argentina to Zambia, investment firms are snatching up the poor world’s debt. To turn a buck, they sue, harass, and otherwise claw their way into making debtor states pay. Poverty activists say these so-called vulture funds are preying on the impoverished. But they’re only doing what the international financial system can’t—holding corrupt and irresponsible regimes to account.

Persistent concerns about such legal forays have sparked a backlash against the international criminal justice industry.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has always had plenty of problems at home. Now, he’s got trouble brewing outside his borders, too.

As the Darfur region of Sudan smolders, human rights activists and a growing number of governments have adopted a new strategy.

From Argentina to Zambia, investment firms are snatching up the poor world’s debt. To turn a buck, they sue, harass, and otherwise claw their way into making debtor states pay. Poverty activists say these so-called vulture funds are preying on the impoverished. But they’re only doing what the international financial system can’t—holding corrupt and irresponsible regimes to account.