Asoka Ranaweera gives a brief history of Liberia from its foundations up to the modern day, discussing the disastrous effects that civil war and instability have had upon the region. In Ranaweera‘s opinion, the election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf marks a new chapter in Liberia‘s history with the possibility for economic growth and prosperity. But, Ranaweera warns, positive change cannot be made without the support of the international community.