One sentence summary:
The book ‘Confessions of an Economic Hit Man’ by John Perkins is a first-hand account of the author’s career as an economic hit man employed by the United States government to manipulate developing countries and exploit their resources.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, political and economic exposé.
Main topic of the book:
The book delves into the dark world of economic hit men who work for powerful corporations and governments to control and manipulate the economies of developing countries for their own gain.
Key ideas:
- The author exposes the unethical practices and corrupt systems employed by the United States government and large corporations to control and exploit developing countries.
- The book reveals the role of economic hit men in manipulating and causing the downfall of various governments and economies.
- The author emphasizes the negative impact of these actions on the people and environment of the targeted countries.
- The book delves into the consequences of the pursuit of power and greed by those in positions of authority.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part 1: The Economic Hit Man
The author describes his personal experience as an economic hit man, working for MAIN, a consulting company hired by the US government to ensure the interests of American corporations and banks are secured in developing countries. - Part 2: Indonesia – Lessons for an EH
The author shares his involvement in the economic manipulation of Indonesia, resulting in the fall of the government and the installation of a leader that was favourable to American interests. - Part 3: Iran – Scoring for Mussadegh
The author discusses the history of Iran and how the US government and CIA toppled the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh in 1953, leading to the rise of the Shah regime. - Part 4: Syria – Selling a Car and a Country
The author recounts his time in Syria, where he was tasked to secure an agreement with the Syrian government for a US company to build a power plant and secure oil pipelines. - Part 5: Saudi Arabia – Terror and Debt
The author reveals the deep-rooted connections between the US government and the Saudi royal family, discussing the role of eh men in securing lucrative deals and maintaining control over the country’s vast oil reserves. - Part 6: Panama – Squishing an Ant until it Squirts
The author delves into the events leading up to the US invasion of Panama in 1989, highlighting the involvement of economic hit men in securing business deals and controlling the country’s leader. - Epilogue: The Story continues
The author reflects on his life and experiences as an economic hit man and the growing influence of corporations on government policies.
Key takeaways:
- The United States government employs economic hit men to manipulate and control the economies of developing countries for their own gain.
- These actions often result in the downfall of governments, exploitation of resources and harm to the local population and environment.
- The pursuit of power and greed by those in positions of authority can have devastating consequences.
Author’s background and qualifications:
John Perkins is an American activist and author, known for his works exposing the role of corporations and governments in manipulating and exploiting developing countries. He worked for MAIN as an economic hit man for over a decade, earning him first-hand experience and insights into the inner workings of the system.
Target audience:
The book is targeted towards readers interested in political and economic affairs, and those seeking a deeper understanding of how the world’s power structures operate.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers in 2004.