Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 384 pages
- Published by: Plume April 29, 2008
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0452289572
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0452289574
-
Book Dimensions:
7.9 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
- Weighs: 10.4 ounces
From Publishers Weekly
Having made a splash with
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, Perkins offers similarly entertaining but disturbing accounts of the American government wreaking havoc around the world in support of American business. In Perkins's view, American presidents willingly comply with their CEO masters, distributing foreign aid to corrupt Third World leaders who keep a share and return the rest to U.S. business for major projects, leaving their nations poor and massively in debt, and requiring more loans and slavish obedience to U.S. policy. If any leader objects, the CIA destabilizes his government, by assassination if necessary. Gathering evidence is not Perkins's strong suit. Typically, a shadowy figure pulls him aside, insists on anonymity, then reveals all. Critics will rightfully accuse Perkins of dreadful journalism and a taste for conspiracy theories. Yet economists admit that loans and "expert advice" to poor nations are often harmful. Few deny that America has ruthlessly undermined uncooperative governments and supported dictators including Saddam Hussein. Perkins's assertions that the U.S. assassinated Ecuador's reformist president and connived at genocide in Timor and Sudan are not absurd, merely unproven. This book's greatest value may be to encourage a competent journalist to cover the same ground.
(June 5) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From AudioFile
In this follow-up to CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, John Perkins continues his expos of corrupt governmental and business economic policies and practices. He focuses primarily on the United States, but he also has much to say about the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The passion the author feels for his subject can be heard in the introduction, which he reads himself. Jonathan Davis projects the same intensity and sense of urgency in his precise and crisp presentation of the rest of the text. What could be a plodding and convoluted economic treatise is made compelling by the authors insider knowledge and personal anecdotes, which are enhanced by Daviss clear, fast-paced delivery. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Secret History of the American Empire: Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and the Truth about Global Corruption (Hardcover)
In his first book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, John Perkins lifted the veil on a world rarely seen by most people. He took us on a tour of the costs and consequences of American corporate hegemony, dispelling myths of the `free market', and forcing us to peer deep into our own souls. As Perkins states in his earlier works, "The world is as you dream it," so the question is, what will you dream? Picking up where he left off, Perkins continues down the path of redemption. Once serving the masters of modern slavery, Perkins now works tirelessly to free those who have been oppressed by the corpratocracy. His thesis? Our planet cannot survive ruthless consumerism at the expense of the world and its people. When all the trees are gone, and all the oil is tapped, what will be left? Does your shirt still feel nice when you understand the suffering involved in its production? The world John Perkins envisions is one in which personal participation is crucial, and power does not rest in the hands of the few. We have everything we need to create a sustainable global society. We have the resources, the technology, and viable social models. What we need now is a vision, and the inspiration to create such a world. In 329 pages, Perkins provides us with the inspiration to fearlessly question ourselves, and the power structures that exist around us. Traveling through countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Bolivia, Iraq, and Iran, Perkins paints a picture so vivid its life-altering. This is an amazing follow-up to Confessions, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who still believes the `free market' benefits all, or anyone who is still waving a flag. This story is brutal, harsh, and real. But the good news is: life can change. We can change. Deep down we all share common values. We all want to live peacefully, we all want to prosper, and we all want to feel love. If you wish to understand the world for how it really exists, and you seek the tools to help create positive changes, then you have to read this book. As John says, "Today is the day for us to begin to truly change the world."
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