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Confessions of an Economic Hit Man – Review

Economic hit men (EHMs) are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign “aid” organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet’s natural resources.

Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder. They play a game as old as empire, but one that has taken on new and terrify-ing dimensions during this time of globalization.

– John Perkins (Confessions Of An Economic Hitman)

Confessions of an economic hit man is John Perkins’ biography or memoirs which takes notes of his life as an Economist in a consulting firm or what he prefer to say, as an Economic Hit man, in which he tries to throw some light on the facade of the slogan of “Development & Prosperity” which is put forward by many capitalist establishments and how the few hands manage to mint all the money through all those economic developments.

All the discussions in the book become even more credible since the writer himself claims to be one of those notorious Economic Hit Men and served the consulting firm, Chase T. Main in Boston.

John Perkins “Confessions” describes that how the entrepreneurs have managed to seep into the political establishments of the country and all the foreign policies are extensions of their own interests.

Book Release Year

Confessions of an Economic Hit man came out in 2004 as the writer says that he was always encouraged not to complete this book through bribery and threats. Somehow he managed to complete it but then he faced difficulties in publishing it since no publishing house was willing to own such a controversial material.

How John Perkins Got into NSA?

According to John, he was interviewed by the National Security Agency (NSA) before being hired by Chase T. Main and he always felt that his induction at the firm was actually a covertly recruitment by NSA as the agency seemed to be impressed by his unstable and deteriorating childhood and felt that he was the right person for the job he was hired.

Being an economist and gifted with the art of convincing others, the core job of John Perkins was to persuade the high level authorities and Government officials of other countries to allow themselves to be indebted under the huge and almost “un-payable” loans of international financial institutions.

This may also include allowing the private sector to explore the wealth of their lands, paying no regards to the local communities and habitat. For this purpose he never refrained in using highly exaggerated economic development models just to meet the ends.

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man also explains that how only the few American companies remain most beneficial in the long run as the same money which is granted to these countries, is funneled back in their accounts.

Three Steps of Coercion

The author explains in the book the three levels the establishment uses to make things work out in their way. The first level is of course, the assignment of EHMs (Economic Hit Men) whose jobs are to convince the third world countries become indebted at the cost of their own natural resources.

Secondly, the CIA backed “Jackals” are given the responsibility and even if these Jackals fail, the last option left is the invasion of that very country and for this purpose the blood of young American countrymen and women paves the way.

Are Claims of John Perkins Authentic?

The author supports his allegations/theory/experiences/findings or whatever may sound appropriate, with the incidents of the dethroning of democratically elected, the then popular Iranian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh, that how his own people were set up against him as he nationalized all the oil fields which ended up in depriving of his chair as a Prime Minister.

Secondly, the death of Panamanian Leader, Omer Torrijos through a plane crash which he claims to be more than a mere accident as a result of contention of his with the American Government over the Panama Canal.

The author seems to be impressed with the personality of Omar Torrijos as he had may opportunities to meet and talk to him on various issues. That’s why he has paid a homage to Omar in the preface of the book along with Jaime Roldos, the President of Ecuador, who shared the same fate as Omar when it came to their demise.

Author’s Writing Style

The book is written in a descriptive manner as John doesn’t seem to run through the facts quickly and along with that the writer also doesn’t try to drag too much. This really enhances the reading experience and the reader can easily guess that the author is sure an experienced writer.

There are also some downsides as well. After reading the whole book one would feel that a rather hopeless situation of the world is portrayed. Every step taken in the direction of development and prosperity would be felt like being intrigued and a conspiracy plotted to benefit few.

Suggestions by John Perkins

The writer also shares some list of actions one could take to avoid all these fallacies but they seem to be too lame and limited only to micro level. Like John writes:



I could give you a list of practical things to do. For instance, cut back on your oil consumption. In 1990, before we first invaded Iraq, we imported 8 million barrels of oil; by 2003 and the second invasion, this had increased more than 50 percent, to over 12 million barrels.1 The next time you are tempted to go shopping, read a book instead, exercise, or meditate. Downsize your home, wardrobe, car, office, and most everything else in your life. Protest against “free”

Moreover, the writer thinks that a radical change can be brought in without dismantling the system which I believe, sounds too naive.

In other words he is advocating the same system which he blamed to be responsible of many miseries especially to the developing countries.

Apart from criticisms, I believe the book is no doubt a good read, fascinating and eye opening. I downloaded the e-book version of this book.

Not sure whether I violated the piracy act…!!! but even if you buy this from the market, believe me you would not feel that your money is wasted.