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John Perkins

The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World (John Perkins Economic Hitman Series) Paperback – April 29, 2008

by John Perkins (Author)

507 ratings

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New York Times bestseller

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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Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Plume
Publication date

April 29, 2008
Dimensions

5.35 x 0.85 x 7.97 inches
ISBN-10

9780452289574
ISBN-13

978-0452289574

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A sweeping, bold assault on the tyranny of corporate globalization, full of drama and adventure, with devastating stories of greed run wild. But Perkins is undaunted, and offers imaginative ideas for a different world.—Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States

“John Perkins' new book is both an eye-opening expose of global corruption and a fascinating story of adventure and intrigue. This devastating indictment of current economic policies also offers hope by showing the power of the growing movement toward a caring economics worldwide.”—Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and The Blade and The Real Wealth of Nations

“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.”—Publishers Weekly

About the Author

John Perkins is the bestselling author of the classic exposé Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. He is the founder and president of the Dream Change Coalition, which works closely with Amazonian and other indigenous people to help preserve their environments and cultures. From 1971 to 1981 he worked for the international consulting firm of Chas.T. Main, where he became chief economist and director of economics and regional planning. Perkins has lectured and taught at universities and learning centers on four continents and is a regular lecturer for the Omega Center.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0452289572
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plume
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 29, 2008
Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780452289574
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452289574
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.35 x 0.85 x 7.97 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #227,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #65 in International Economics (Books)
- #256 in Economic History (Books)
- #801 in History & Theory of Politics
Customer Reviews:
507 ratings

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John Perkins

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John Perkins is the author of 12 books on global intrigue, economics, shamanism, and transformation, including "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man,” and "Touching the Jaguar." They have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 70 weeks, sold millions of copies, and are published in at least 38 languages. His latest, “Message from Pleiades,” is the story of a life-and-world-changing experience in an ancient Mayan city; it is his first novel (written under the pen name of J P Moody).

As chief economist at a major consulting firm, John advised the World Bank, UN, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. He regularly speaks at universities and economic and environmental forums and is a founder of the Pachamama Alliance and Dream Change, non profit organizations that partner with indigenous people to protect environments and offer programs to change the destructive ways of industrial societies.

Customer reviews

507 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read that provides eye-opening insights and fascinating stories, with one customer noting it reads like a thriller. The writing is well-crafted, and customers consider it required reading for everyone. While some customers find it scary, others appreciate its impact and thought-provoking nature.

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Readability Insight Story quality Eye opening Writing quality Impact Reading requirement Suspenseful

48 customers mention "Readability"44 positive4 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a must-read that reads like a thriller.

"Interesting, if eccentric viewpoint on how the US came to dominate world finance" Read more

"Very good reading and its not fiction , its as the writer tells it. they are true stories, I know !" Read more

"This book is a great read and well worth getting. The order was filled quickly and accuratly and received faster than promised." Read more

"Great book,enjoyed readying it!" Read more

30 customers mention "Insight"28 positive2 negative

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking, describing it as an eye-opener that provides vital information.

"This is a real eye-opener. John Perkins lays out very well what goes on behind the scenes perpetrated by our government...." Read more

"...It is quick reading, exciting and informative and really sets the stage for a clear understanding and full appreciationof 'The Secret History of the..." Read more

"Very informative book. Must read the previous one by the author" Read more

"One of the best and most enlightening books I have ever read." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, finding them fascinating, with one customer highlighting the concrete and dramatic anecdotes, while another notes it's a great follow-up to the first book.

"Great follow up to the first book, Economic Hit Men." Read more

"Very good reading and its not fiction , its as the writer tells it. they are true stories, I know !" Read more

"...The stories are fascinating, and appalling...." Read more

"More great stories; I have no reason to discredit. I think John developed integrity along the way." Read more

11 customers mention "Eye opening"10 positive1 negative

Customers find the book eye opening, with one mentioning it provides a revealing perspective.

"A REVEALING book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it...." Read more

"...and brutal this empire is beneath the benevolent rhetoric....Eye opening and informative.." Read more

"...A fun read and an eye opener." Read more

"...country's activities that most of us don't typically know about - great exposure to how things have worked behind the scenes...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting how it keeps readers interested, while another mentions the author's real courage in sharing their experiences.

"Excellently written, very informative, should be read by everyone, reads like a thriller...." Read more

"the writing keeps you interested, and the content is something more of our country needs to hear about. "..." Read more

"...a lot of claims that cannot be supported and overall the writing quality is poor." Read more

"...It took real courage to write this book. Please enjoy it, and try to help make humanity a better animal...." Read more

6 customers mention "Impact"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspirational, with one mentioning how it gave them a new sense of personal responsibility.

"I came from a conservative background. This book was disturbing and liberating - one of the best books I have read this year...." Read more

"It opened up my perspective, and gave me a new sense of personal responsibility, and further validated that my actions have everything to do with..." Read more

"...this is not a proper "review' - but one thing for sure, this book will have an impact (if you read it)" Read more

"...The detail and the alternative perspectives had a meaningful impact." Read more

5 customers mention "Reading requirement"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be required reading for everyone, with one customer specifically mentioning it must be read by all Americans.

"Should be required reading for everyone." Read more

"Excellently written, very informative, should be read by everyone, reads like a thriller...." Read more

"This was a real eye opener for me. This should be required reading for every high school junior or senior...." Read more

"Superb reading. Learn how the world works and read all of Perkins books." Read more

7 customers mention "Suspenseful"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the suspenseful elements of the book, with some finding it very scary while others disagree.

"I came from a conservative background. This book was disturbing and liberating - one of the best books I have read this year...." Read more

"This is a very scary book, it tells how big business is gaining political influence and access to oil and other natural resources around the world...." Read more

"This book is a must read. It will shock you, it will make you read the news headlines differently...." Read more

"...John Perkins tells it like it is. It's not a pleasant story, but a worthy followup to Confessions of an Economic Hit Man." Read more

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MyOp3
Very Detailed First Hand Knowledge-not heard in main stream news for sure!
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2012
Verified Purchase

This Audio book was facinating and jaw dropping!....the information was very detailed from the author because he was there--all first hand stuff. This was the best history lesson I have ever experienced with real situations and names that explained a lot to me as to why the USA is often viewed poorly by people living outside the USA. If American citizens would watch less filtered US Media shows and start reading and or listening to audio books like this--we would have a MUCH better idea of the truth--of what underhanded agressive presence we have had in Asia, South America and in the Middle East and WHY!--and it isn't pretty! If leaders from around the world are listening (reading) this book (which they are).....this should be on the MUST read list of EVERY American interested in truth. John Perkins took a big risk in writing his 3 books--but his heart lead him to tell all! This is his middle book, I believe--all three are a must read as he not only "spills the beans" but he make good suggestions as to how we can clean them up for a better future!

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Janemb35
The Bleak Underside of American Pride
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
In order to assess this new volume I have looked at notes on John Perkins' autobiography, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man." I have read it, but needed a refresher course, and am appalled all over again at its contents.([...])

Perkins was recruited by the international consulting firm of Charles T. Main. He was an economist, with two primary objectives: justify huge loans for countries for huge engineering and construction projects to be carried out by American companies (think Haliburton, Bechtel et al.); after the companies had been paid, he was to help engineer the debtor's bankruptcy so that country would remain indebted to their creditors and remain pliable when the US wanted `favors' like military bases, access to natural resources, etc.

Starting in Indonesia in 1971, a time when Indonesia was believed to be a key to Southeast Asian stability, he made economic forecasts that won him further projects. In 1972 it was Panama. Later, Saudi Arabia came under his spell, and a deal between it and the USA was consummated. With it came a relationship between the American government and the House of Saud, the bin Laden family, and the Bush family, to the immense financial benefit of the latter.

His conscience bothered him since he felt that, by following Main's directives, he was causing much harm to the client states. Iran was his breaking point. As what Perkins called the "corporatocracy" supported the Shah, which led to class wars and hatred of the American companies, and the American government which it blamed for all its woes, especially the rampant corruption and despotic government. After the turn of the year in 1979, the Shah fled the country; less than a year later the American hostages in the Embassy were taken. He quit his job at Main in 1980.

"The Secret History of the American Empire" is another product of his reflections on his past and the changes in his work life. He talks a lot about American influence in Latin America, and the rise of home grown opponents to the Unite States with respect.

As I learned a long time ago, every one is said to have his price; United States employees were outstanding at saving skeletons from other's closets. In fact, after learning of the trap set for President Clinton, he has that information confirmed by a retired CIA officer.

Not unsurprisingly, the chickens came home to America to roost. Our policies in the Middle East blew up in our faces. Those in the Middle East caught on to our lust for oil as we established the Shah of Iran, the House of Saud, the ruling families in Kuwait and Jordan, and a friendly dictator in Egypt, and we supported Israeli militarism. They named America and the West as the enemy as the mullahs gained force, al-Qaida grew, and radical politicians replaced moderate ones, exacerbated by the hero worship of the martyrdom of suicide bombers.

Here are the roots of our current political crises internationally. Moving to the continent of Africa, Perkins addresses the problems we have inherited from the European colonial expansion. Again, once there was a crack in the system, America rushed in, knowing that it was time to expand its influence. The stories are fascinating, and appalling. A letter he cites at length tells the effects of westernization seen through the eyes of an educated young woman, employed by a NGO.

She balances the good that NGOs appear to do against the western influences that attack the fiber of their civilization. In sum she concludes that the bad outweighs the good and calls for a total change of system.

Finally, he outlines and discusses briefly the questions essential to making the change the world needs. There are things each and all of us can do, not only in the face of global warming, but also the inequalities we see around us, not only here in the Americas, but also world-wide. Furthermore, he talked to university students who had been told, and believed, that they were America's future.

I was most deeply moved by the mission statement of two high school students from Seattle who had established Global; Awareness and Change [GAC]. Perkins reduced several lines of type into this: "We commit to creating a stable, sustainable, and peaceful world far all peoples everywhere." Would that we ll could commit to this.

I really urge you to get and read this book and resolve to follow at least some of the suggestions at the end. Bear in mind that if you are not to be part of the problem, you must become part of the solution.

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Gypsy
Perkins has done it again!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2007
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
If our country manages to pull itself out it's current mess, I believe that John Perkins will deserve a lot of the credit. 'Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' seems to have given courage to so many who have been, and even still may be involved in international skulduggery, to come forward and offer information which helped him write this important and revealing must-read sequel. I believe these two books have also given inspiration to many other writers as well as courage to recent - and, I hope, future whisle blowers. I do recommend reading 'Confessions' first, if you haven't already read it. It is quick reading, exciting and informative and really sets the stage for a clear understanding and full appreciationof 'The Secret History of the American Empire'. In 'The Secret History' he also gives some important and thought provoking insights into the solution to our national/international problems and how we can do our bit, as individuals, to help.

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Mojo
ジャッカルとエコノミックヒットマン
Reviewed in Japan on January 23, 2008
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

John perkinsによる、アメリカの新植民地主義（死語？）を暴く第２弾。開発コンサルタント、ビジネスマン、コールガールなど、途上国の権力者を懐柔あるいは抹殺するためのプレーヤーが続々と登場します。今回はインドネシアを舞台に怪しげな日本人（女衒）も登場します。

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azteca
mittlerweise ein klassiker
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
sehr interessantes buch, das sehr ausführlich die systematik und methoden beschreibt, mit denen die amis alleine in südamerika über 50 demokratisch gewählte regierungen gestürtzt, und an deren stelle diktatorische marionetten gesetzt haben, weil ihnen die politische richtung nicht gefiel.
unter anderem beschreibt perkins wie auch das aktuelle iran fiasko auf handlungen der cia in den 50er jahren zurückgehen.
wo nämlich der demokratisch gewählte premier minister muhammad mossadegh von dem amis miot gewalt abgesetzt, und durch schah resa pahlevi ersetzt wurde.
solche und dutzende andere brennende baustellen, die dei amis am planeten hinterlassen haben...
wirklich sehr empfehlenswert!!

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merlin
Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Excellent product at an excellent price with an excellent service.

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Pyf
Le fonds des choses
Reviewed in France on April 5, 2019
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Si l on veut vraiment comprendre les enjeux économiques et politiques et ne pas se satisfaire de la soupe insipide servit aux informations pour les gogos

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oldears
Scary
Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very factual

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The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World (John Perkins Economic Hitman Series) Paperback – April 29, 2008

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very Detailed First Hand Knowledge-not heard in main stream news for sure!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bleak Underside of American Pride

5.0 out of 5 stars Perkins has done it again!

Top reviews from other countries

4.0 out of 5 stars ジャッカルとエコノミックヒットマン

5.0 out of 5 stars mittlerweise ein klassiker

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

5.0 out of 5 stars Le fonds des choses

5.0 out of 5 stars Scary

Very Detailed First Hand Knowledge-not heard in main stream news for sure!

The Bleak Underside of American Pride

Perkins has done it again!

ジャッカルとエコノミックヒットマン

mittlerweise ein klassiker

Excellent

Le fonds des choses

Scary