The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins cover

The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

by John Perkins

4.7(1,551 ratings)
9 min read

Brief overview

This book reveals how global economic policies and financial manipulations keep developing countries in debt while benefiting powerful corporations. It exposes the subtle tactics used to coerce foreign leaders, showing both the personal conflicts of an ex-economic hit man and the broader consequences for global politics. By reading it, you’ll understand the hidden forces shaping modern empire and discover ways we might break free from these oppressive systems.

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Introduction

Imagine a world in which large debts control nations, decisions are dictated by powerful corporations, and promised prosperity rarely reaches everyday people. That’s the setting for these confessions. Here, an insider discloses his role in guiding developing countries into financial traps.

During his early career, he witnessed firsthand how policy and power were used to maintain a global hierarchy. Loans, development projects, and international agencies were visible symbols of progress, but they masked darker motives. Leaders who did not cooperate often paid a formidable price.

This opening section frames the reality of economic hit men (EHMs): professionals armed not with guns, but with statistics, studies, and friendly smiles. The story that unfolds shows how deals were sealed, alliances formed, and countries’ futures placed on precarious footing. It also hints that there is a path to genuine economic freedom.

Seeds of the EHM

It all began under the guise of good intentions. Working in far-flung regions, the future EHM learned to speak local languages and win trust. He joined an international consulting firm that promised accelerated development and better living conditions for impoverished nations.

Soon, he realized that corporate and political interests had bigger plans. The business of engineering grand infrastructure projects was lucrative. Big loans from agencies like the World Bank and IMF funneled money to multinational firms. Local economies rarely thrived, yet the leaders were persuaded or cornered into compliance.

Young and ambitious, he was flattered to join a team of top economists. The job offered adventure, and he believed he could do good. But beneath day-to-day tasks lay a blueprint for empire-building—covertly tying nations to foreign agendas. That innocence would fade as he confronted the eerie reality of the EHM pipeline.

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What is The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man about?

In "The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man," John Perkins unmasks the shadowy world where economic schemes operate under the guise of development. Through firsthand experience, the author provides a raw, illuminating insight into the operations of economic hit men (EHMs) — key players in maintaining an unyielding global empire orchestrated by power-hungry corporations and institutions. Utilizing debt as a weapon, these operatives manipulate developing countries into economic traps, thereby perpetuating a cycle of poverty, dependency, and control.

The book delves into the heart of corporatocracy, uncovering how loans ostensibly meant for infrastructure and development morph into tools of coercion. Perkins combines personal narrative with broader political analysis, sketching a world where national leaders who resist such financial engineering are faced with retribution. By articulating these hidden machinations, Perkins doesn't just create awareness; he endeavors to inspire change, encouraging individuals to envision an economic model where sustainability and equality can thrive for all.

Review of The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

John Perkins’ compelling and incisive narrative in "The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" provides a stark illumination of global economic manipulation through the lens of his own tenure as an EHM. The book's key strength lies in its unprecedented portrayal of how financial frameworks deviously funnel benefits to wealthy corporations while trapping developing nations in cycles of debt. It offers practical takeaways on recognizing such destructive economic strategies and calls for a collective transformation toward sustainable and ethical economic practices.

The engaging writing style makes complex financial and political concepts easily accessible, allowing readers to uncover the layers of deceit involved in international financial dealings. Perkins' prose flows naturally and is peppered with real-life anecdotes that demonstrate the severe consequences of corporatocracy, connecting his personal reflections to broader global impacts.

This exposé is pivotal for readers keen on understanding the intricacies underpinning international relations and financial systems. It’s particularly relevant for policymakers, students, and socially conscious individuals aiming to move beyond awareness to actionable change. By the book's conclusion, readers are encouraged to embrace a model of transparency and fairness, moving away from complicit silence towards proactive engagement. Highly recommended for those ready to question existing paradigms and seek a just global economy.

Who should read The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man?

  • Policy Makers: The book provides insights necessary for shaping equitable and sustainable public policies.
  • Social Justice Advocates: It highlights systemic injustices and the need for activism to dismantle harmful economic practices.
  • Economics Students: Offers a real-world case study on international finance and its implications.
  • Corporate Executives: Encourages ethical decision-making in the context of global business practices.
  • Environmentalists: Promotes ideas for transitioning economies towards sustainability and environmental consciousness.

About the author

John Perkins is an American author best known for his exposés on international corruption and economic manipulation. He graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1968 and later worked as Chief Economist at Chas. T. Main, a major international consulting firm, advising the World Bank, United Nations, IMF, U.S. Treasury Department, Fortune 500 corporations, and countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. His books, including "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" and its expanded edition, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages. He is also a sought-after public speaker and TED Talk lecturer.

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