Book Review: Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins (Plume Publishing)

John Perkins was part of a small and secretive sect among international corporate executives known as “Economic Hit Men” or EHMs. After nearly 30 years as an EHM, this book exposes the little known history of how a few pivotal figures changed the course of world history. By filling a key intermediary role among development corporations, international lenders, and developing nations, EHMs like Perkins served to skew statistical analyses and exert undue influence on decision makers. The result, according to Perkins, has been the intentional saddling of developing nations with massive international debt, while funneling large engineering projects and the funds to pay for them to US corporations. Perkins conveys stories of corruption, intrigue, and conspiracy to impoverish those in the greatest need, and he does it all from the position of someone who made it all happen.

If you like spy novels with a twist, this may be the book for you. But, you should note that there are two key twists: 1) this is a true story, 2) the subject of this book is anything but a hero. Throughout the story, Perkins chronicles his internal struggle as he realizes and purposefully grows his own power as an EHM. He finds himself at the center of key historical moments of the late 20th century, constantly pulled between a desire to aid the common good and a need to feed his own ego. Sadly, his ego wins every time. For those seeking to understand how development “aid” and loans are sometimes utilized as a tool to oppress those whom they supposedly help, this is a great first look. For those looking to be inspired by an example of a powerful social change leader, you’ll have to wait for next month’s TBB Book Review!

Robin Pendoley
Curriculum Director
Thinking Beyond Borders

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