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John Perkins
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Confessions of an Economic Hit Man Paperback – December 27, 2005

by John Perkins (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,907 ratings
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There is a newer edition of this item:

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition
$16.49
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From the author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, comes an exposé of international corruption, and an inspired plan to turn the tide for future generations

With a presidential election around the corner, questions of America's military buildup, environmental impact, and foreign policy are on everyone's mind. Former Economic Hit Man John Perkins goes behind the scenes of the current geopolitical crisis and offers bold solutions to our most pressing problems. Drawing on interviews with other EHMs, jackals, CIA operatives, reporters, businessmen, and activists, Perkins reveals the secret history of events that have created the current American Empire, including:
 
  • How the defeats in Vietnam and Iraq have benefited big business
  • The role of Israel as Fortress America in the Middle East
  • Tragic repercussions of the IMF's Asian Economic Collapse
  • The current Latin American revolution and its lessons for democracy
  • U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela


From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to jackals in Venezuela, Perkins exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe, with consequences reflected in our daily headlines. Having raised the alarm, Perkins passionately addresses how Americans can work to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations.
 

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  1. Print length
    303 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Plume
  4. Publication date
    December 27, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    5.3 x 0.73 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0452287081
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0452287082
  8. Lexile measure
    1160L
  9. See all details
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From the Publisher

John Perkins

The riveting third edition of this New York Times bestselling title expands its focus to China, exposes corruption on an international scale, and offers much-needed solutions. Extensively updated, this edition features twelve new chapters, including a new introduction, preface, and study guide. The book brings the story of economic hit men (EHMs) up-to-date and focuses on China’s EHM strategy.

Touching The Jaguar Cover Book Cover
Touching the Jaguar Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
195
4.6 out of 5 stars
335
Price $21.76 $16.49
More from John Perkins Transforming Fear into Action to Change Your Life and the World Includes 12 explosive new chapters!
John Perkins Headshot

John Perkins has written eleven books, including the first edition of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than seventy weeks and was translated into over thirty languages. As a former chief economist, he advised the World Bank, the United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, and governments around the world.

John Perkins on Thom Hartmann Show

John Perkins in the Amazon

John Perkins speaking on Japanese Peace Boat

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] gripping tell-all book.” —The Rocky Mountain News

“Astonishing.” —Boston Herald

“This riveting look at a world of intrigue reads like a spy novel...Highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“Here are the real-life details—nasty, manipulative, plain evil—of international corporate skullduggery spun into a tale rivaling the darkest espionage thriller.” —Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

From the Back Cover

"[A] gripping tell-all book."
The Rocky Mountain News

"Astonishing."
Boston Herald

"This riveting look at a world of intrigue reads like a spy novel . . . Highly recommended."
Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plume (December 27, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0452287081
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452287082
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1160L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.73 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,907 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
John Perkins

John Perkins

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John Perkins is an author and activist whose 10 books on global intrigue, shamanism, and transformation including "Touching the Jaguar," "Shapeshifting" and the classic "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 70 weeks, sold over 2 million copies and are published in at least 35 languages.

As chief economist at a major consulting firm, John advised the World Bank, United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. He regularly speaks at universities, economic forums, and shamanic gatherings around the world and is a founder and board member of the Pachamama Alliance and Dream Change, nonprofit organizations that partner with indigenous people to protect environments and that offer global programs to change the destructive ways of industrial societies.

John advises corporations, executives, and entrepreneurs on ways to make the transition from a Death Economy (exploiting resources that are declining at accelerating rates) to a Life Economy (cleaning up pollution, recycling, and other technologies that create regenerative life-styles and economies) -- a subject that is detailed in "Touching the Jaguar."

John has lived four lives: as an economic hit man (EHM); as the CEO of a successful alternative energy company, who was rewarded for not disclosing his EHM past; as an expert on indigenous cultures and shamanism, a teacher and writer who used this expertise to promote ecology and sustainability while continuing to honor his vow of silence about his life as an EHM; and as a writer who, in telling the real-life story about his extraordinary dealings as an EHM, has exposed the world of international intrigue and corruption that is turning the American republic into a global empire despised by increasing numbers of people around the planet.

John's Books:

Touching the Jaguar: Transforming Fear into Actions to Change Your Life and the World

The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

Hoodwinked

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

The Secret History of the American Empire

Shapeshifting

The World Is As You Dream It

Psychonavigation

The Stress-Free Habit

Spirit of the Shuar

To learn more about John and his work and subscribe to his newsletter: www.johnperkins.org

Connect with him online at: facebook.com/johnperkinsauthor; at instagram.com/johnperkinsauthor; at twitter.com/economic_hitman

For further information about events where John Perkins is speaking or teaching visit: http://johnperkins.org/events

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,907 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book riveting, entertaining, and interesting. They also find the information quality very informative, eye-opening, and rich with detail. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written and easy to read. Opinions are mixed on the pacing and scariness level. Some find it well-paced and fast, while others say the stories are not believable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityInformation qualityWriting qualityEase of comprehensionInsightPacingScariness levelValue for money
275 customers mention "Readability"268 positive7 negative

Customers find the book riveting, amazing, and entertaining. They describe it as a compelling, necessary read that is enlightening and informative. Readers also say the story is believable enough and pulsating.

"...Hopefully our POTUS doesn't fall for this.Great book." Read more

"...Regardless, the book is extremely intriguing...." Read more

"This is a great book. Easy to read and Perkins really put things into perspective on how the whole economy works and is so corrupt...." Read more

"Overall, this non-fiction book was enlightening and informative...." Read more

207 customers mention "Information quality"183 positive24 negative

Customers find the book very informative, eye-opening, and rich with detail. They say it provides deeper analysis of events mentioned in the first book. Readers also mention it's important and should be required reading in high schools.

"...These two quotes pretty much sum up the book for me. Global economics isn't hard, people try to complicate it but it all comes down to really basic..." Read more

"...He communicates a very accurate account of what he (and our country) has been through...." Read more

"...His book is rich with detail and can almost be read as a novel, yet is one of the most important books of our day." Read more

"This is a great book. Easy to read and Perkins really put things into perspective on how the whole economy works and is so corrupt...." Read more

62 customers mention "Writing quality"48 positive14 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book excellent and easy to read. They say it almost reads like fiction. Readers also mention the book provides an eye-opening look into the corruption of the government.

"...His book is rich with detail and can almost be read as a novel, yet is one of the most important books of our day." Read more

"This is a great book. Easy to read and Perkins really put things into perspective on how the whole economy works and is so corrupt...." Read more

"I read this close to a year ago. It was well written, and is a good introduction to the real political and economic landscape the exists throughout..." Read more

"...Just throw a disclaimer in the preface that the dialogue is sometimes dramatized, and that sometimes the characters are invented composites of..." Read more

8 customers mention "Ease of comprehension"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book straightforward, easy to get through, and difficult to put down. They appreciate the simple and easy-to-understand terminology.

"...The stark reality exposed in this very easy to read and difficult to put-down book in not for the faint of heart." Read more

"...Nevertheless, the book is well worth reading and hard to put down until fully read." Read more

"...You won't be disappointed in reading this book. It's hard to put down." Read more

"...John Perkins brings to light, in simple and easy to understand terminology, the underbelly of global finance and it's dependence on war..." Read more

6 customers mention "Insight"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides excellent insight into corporatization, ethics of American business, and corruption. They say it provokes thoughtful consideration on personal opinions of government. Readers also mention that the guise of a good deed to rob taxpayers is absolutely brilliant.

"...All this theft is institutionalized, perfectly legal, and the roles of the legislators, police, government agents, and soldiers are so..." Read more

"...John Perkins gives a detailed, insider's view of the corruption that is rampant in our own government (and others) and to the fact that the US will..." Read more

"...I think that the book was a useful look into the ethics of American business and foreign politics, but I also think the book is a little sensational..." Read more

"...how the powerful use the guise of a good deed to rob taxpayers is absolutely brilliant." Read more

37 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive23 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some mention it's well-paced, fast, and believable. Others say the stories are not believable, the plot is constructed, and reads like a fictional spy story.

"...This is a very skewed, impossible, piece of logic. It sounds good, but, there just isn't enough land...." Read more

"...For the most part, it is well paced, well-written, and is nearly a page-turner...." Read more

"...with this book will find themselves recognizing the constructed nature of the plot, the characters and the locales; any reader who does any fact-..." Read more

"...is written/edited the message comes across as pretentious and bit conspiratorial." Read more

34 customers mention "Scariness level"14 positive20 negative

Customers find the book frightening, disturbing, and shocking. They say it's provocative and upsetting. However, some readers feel the book lapses into tiresome moralizing as it goes on.

"...-opening content, two stars for poor editing and excessive blubbering about his guilty feelings...." Read more

"...It was so interesting and easy to read, but shocking and eyes opening. Must read!" Read more

"...Instead, we get a lot of tedious moralizing and soul searching by the author...." Read more

"...what America does to other countries to get their resources is frightening and horrifying. Reads like a novel...." Read more

23 customers mention "Value for money"11 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the value for money of the book. Some mention it's worth the money and appreciate the volume discounts. However, others say it's a waste of time and has little substance.

"...Some of the content is repetitive throughout, but it is necessary to bring parts of the story together...." Read more

"...a couple of days reading about his self-examination, this book is probably worth it...." Read more

"...I hate to say that this was a waste of time, but the only thing it's done is look good on my bookshelf...." Read more

"...To end on a positive note: at least this was a short and inexpensive ($3.99 on Kindle) read." Read more

Now read "Clinton Cash"
5 out of 5 stars
Now read "Clinton Cash"
What a great book. Read it first then "New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" . I just ordered "Clinton Cash" after watching the free new movie on Beritebart.com called "Clinton Cash"Anyone have a forum with folks discussing this topic?
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Top reviews from the United States

jumper34
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most educational and accurate books about government corruption
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
During a recorded meeting between President Nixon and CIA director Helms along with the IC officials October 8, 1971, Nixon is attempting to get information about the Bay of Pigs from the I.C. (intelligence community). He wasn't on a need to know basis, like all presidents. Obviously, the CIA doesn't open the secret files and share them with the POTUS. While Nixon is pleading with the I.C. he makes the statements that I know what we did in Iran and I know Guatemala. In other words, Nixon knew that the US assassinated Arbenz and Mossedegh.
Nixon knew the CIA was doing the wet work in order to assassinate the President of Iran and the PM Guatemala.
One only needs to look at what transpired after the book came out. Government officials, along with the media, immediately began to discredit Perkins and attempted to discredit him.
This should automatically raise your ire. Why are the media outlets and government officials commenting critically on a biography? While at the same time, they label Perkins a conspiracy theorist.
This is right out of Nixon's playbook. First off, discredit Perkins, and then attack him. This should tell you how accurate this book is. I haven't read the second Perkins book yet, but by all accounts as to what he says, it lines up very well.
One only needs to look at what is going on in Venezuela today. I am sure when the drone exploded above Maduro's head Perkins just laughter and said, "the CIA sure stepped in it this time". Everything Perkins describes in his book is exactly what is happening in Venezuela today. Hopefully our POTUS doesn't fall for this.
Great book.
24 people found this helpful
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M. A. ZAIDI
5.0 out of 5 stars An expose of United States foreign policy
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2007
Verified Purchase
An expose of the United States foreign policy; on their unsavory methods to undermine other countries financially to attain leverage on them with duress. The means by which leverage is attained, lies with the two "international financial institutions" (IFI's). The institutions were founded in 1945 during the genesis of the United Nations as "do-good" enterprises. The IMF would assist countries trying to keep their currencies tied to the dollar under the terms of the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement. The World Bank would lend money at low interest rates gathered from the rich countries to help poor countries get off their backs.
Over the years, the process has become corrupt, with both the IMF and World Bank becoming controlled by the multinational corporations and their banks. When President Nixon went off the gold standard in 1971, the IMF's reason for existence evaporated, because Bretton Woods and the fixed dollar went up in smoke. Now the problem for the big banks like Chase Manhattan, Citicorp and the Bank of America became two-fold:

1) As surplus dollars accumulated in their reserves and there were no credit-worthy Americans wanting to borrow, the banks had to think of ways to lend the money abroad or it would sit in their vaults earning zip, which means it really is losing money as the paper dollar - freed from its gold anchor - was inflating and losing purchasing power. Citigroup's Walter Wriston came up with the idea that the surplus should be loaned to poor countries, even though they had no collateral, because governments had to pay off their hard-currency loans or lose their international credit ratings.
2) If the countries that borrowed from Chase or Citicorp could not pay back interest or principle and did not worry about stiffing the private bankers, they would have to swallow the non-performing loans. The solution was to have the IMF, looking for something to justify its existence, step in to collect the debt. All it had to do was persuade the U.S. Congress to ante up billions of taxpayer dollars to fill their coffers. They could then go to the deadbeat country and say, "We will give you this money so you can pay Chase and Citicorp what you owe them, but you will have to raise taxes on your own people and devalue your currency as the conditions for the loan"

This book is an account by Mr. Perkins a foot soldier in these operations of the Evil Empire. In extension Mr. Perkins does identifies Bechtel Corporation and Halliburton as agents in this quiet conspiracy to make sure the good old USA flourishes, at the expense of relentless impoverishment of the poorest countries of the world. In his book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man he describes how as a highly paid professional, he helped the U.S. cheat poor countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars by lending them more money than they could possibly repay and then taking over their economies.

The scam: Mr. Perkins worked for was a company named Chas. T. Main in Boston, Massachusetts. He was responsible for giving loans to other countries, much bigger than they could possibly repay. One of the conditions of the loan is that they would then have to give ninety percent of that loan back to a U.S. company, or U.S. companies, to build the infrastructure - a Halliburton or a Bechtel. These companies would then go in and build an electrical system or ports or highways, and these would basically serve just a few of the very wealthiest families in those countries. The poor people in those countries would be stuck ultimately with this amazing debt that they couldn't possibly repay. A country today like Ecuador owes over fifty percent of its national budget just to pay down its debt. And it really can't do it. So, we literally have them over a barrel. So, when we want more oil, we go to Ecuador and force them to provide us with access to our oil companies your Amazon rain forest, which are filled with oil. The entire loan with interest finds its way back into the Unites States indirectly, while the host country is left with the debt plus lots of interest, and they basically become our servants, our slaves.

Panama: In 1903 with the mammoth effort to build the Panama Canal underway; the United States under Theodore Roosevelt demanded Columbia to sign a treaty turning the isthmus over to a North American consortium. Columbia refused; Roosevelt sent in the marines; who removed a popular commander and declared Panama an independent nation. A puppet government was installed and the first canal treaty was signed; it established an American economic zone on both sides of the waterway. The country was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy families with strong connections to Washington. A coup overthrew Arnulfo Arias; the last in the parade of puppet dictators and Omar Torrijos emerged as the head of the state. Torrijos was highly regarded by the Panamian middle and lower class as the champion for the people. His fate was an assassination at the hands of CIA.

Guatemala: The United Fruits Company had been Guatemala's political equivalent of the Panama Canal. Founded in the 1880s, United Fruit grew into one of the most powerful forces in Central America. During the 1950s, reform candidate Jacob Arbenz was elected president of Guatemala in an election hailed all over the hemisphere as a model of the democratic process. At the time less than 3% of Guatemalans owned 70% of the land. Arbenz promised to help the poor dig their way out of starvation, and after his election he implemented a comprehensive land reform program. The United Fruit Company opposed these measures; since they were the largest and the most oppressive land owners in the country. The company in retaliation launched a public relations campaign in the United States; aimed at convincing the American public and congress that Arbenz was part of a Communist plot and Guatemala had become a Soviet satellite. In 1954, the CIA orchestrated a coup; American pilots bombed Guatemala City and the democratically elected Arbenz was overthrown; replaced by Cornel Armas a ruthless ally of America.

Saudi Arabia: A deal was worked out with Saudi Arabia, whereby the Royal House of Saud agreed to send most of their petro-dollars back to the United States and invest them in U.S. government securities. The Treasury Department would use the interest from these securities to hire U.S. companies to build Saudi Arabia new cities, new infrastructure which we've done. And the House of Saud would agree to maintain the price of oil within acceptable limits to us, which they've done all of these years and in return the United States were the guarantors of power remaining in the House of Saud. And in Iraq we tried to implement the same policy that was so successful in Saudi Arabia, but Saddam Hussein didn't buy. When the economic hit men fail in this scenario, the jackals move in. Jackals are C.I.A.-sanctioned people that come in and try to foment a coup or revolution. If that doesn't work, they perform assassinations. Or try to. In the case of Iraq, they weren't able to get through to Saddam Hussein. So the third line of defense, if the economic hit men and the jackals fail, the next line of defense is to send in the marines to invade the country.
33 people found this helpful
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The Book Wheel
4.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably Believable book
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2012
Verified Purchase
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is so unbelievable that it's entirely believable. An economic hit man? A guy dashing around the world and inflating loan estimates in order to leave countries in debt to the US? Wielding economic influence in order to build a reserve of countries who have no choice but defend us? Helping a country build themselves up only to take advantage of them? No way! But like I said, it's so unbelievable that it's believable.
I saw this listed as a recommended book by the Tattered Cover, so I knew it had to at least be decent without even reading the jacket. At first, I was a little unsure about where the book was going because the author, John Perkins, was groaning about his privileged upbringing and high-powered connections, so I thought, "Oh, he's one of those guys." BUT, because he at least recognized that he had said privileges, I knew he was off to a good start.. And I'm glad I stuck it out because I learned a lot and the author had the good sense to show remorse later on. You know, after he figured out all of the awful things that occurred in part due to his actions (but not after spending years battling his conscience and raking in millions).

Regardless, the book is extremely intriguing. He spends a lot of time blaming (while accepting his part in it) the "corporatocracy" for how it is ruining lives worldwide. He's anti-Reagan and pro-Carter, which is evident in his explanations of the Panama Canal and oil dependence. Some of what he talks about (assassinations, the Panama Canal treaties, OPEC, etc.) are so sensational that I spent hours researching the conflicts he brought up. But it's definitely worth it.

Anyone interested in international relations, the economy or democracy should read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Even if you don't agree with the author, the issues that he brings up are very pertinent to today's current events. I spent a lot of time doing my own research based on things that were mentioned in the book, and I can honestly say that I have a better understanding of how the international economy works now than I did before. And even if you aren't inspired to share the knowledge, it's information that you cannot un-know and ignore. So, go learn something!
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Shaili
5.0 out of 5 stars Great service
Reviewed in India on August 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
Good quality books, better prices
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Bardul
4.0 out of 5 stars Buono
Reviewed in Italy on May 8, 2019
Verified Purchase
Interessante
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Warren
5.0 out of 5 stars They do not teach this in schools.
Reviewed in Canada on April 20, 2017
Verified Purchase
An eye opener. The building of the American Empire. Enjoyed the read as the details explained how America influenced other smaller nations. After reading about Che Guevara, (different book),you can see what motivated him after reading Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Perkins and Guevara's participation happened at different times but you could easily see they were on opposite sides. Where was the moral high ground? To understand the global picture today and why certain countries view the USA the way they do. Then this becomes a necessary read.
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Gabriel
5.0 out of 5 stars Lectura obligada
Reviewed in Spain on December 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
Muy ilustrativo y dinámico. No se hace nada pesado y relata de forma muy amena una situación muy compleja desde la experiencia en primera persona de su autor. Muy recomendable
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christine j.
5.0 out of 5 stars Un livre très instructif
Reviewed in France on September 20, 2016
Verified Purchase
J'ai lu ce livre dans sa traduction française et je l'ai trouvé si instructif que j'ai décidé de le commandé dans sa version d'origine pour le partager avec mes amis anglophones.
La livraison - par bateau - a pris plus de temps que prévu mais lorsque j'ai contacté le vendeur pour lui faire part de mon étonnement, celui-ci s'est empressé de me répondre avec professionnalisme et courtoisie pour me rassurer. J'ai apprécié sa réactivité et l'intérêt qu'il porte à la demande d'un client même si en l’occurrence le prix de la commande ne dépassait pas 2,60 €.
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