Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

This third edition examines the economic hit man (EHM) strategy and its evolution, particularly China's role as a newly dominant economic power employing its own version of the approach. The book exposes how EH Ms—highly paid professionals—use development loans to burden countries with debt and force them to serve specific interests. It details the strategy's impact across Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Former EHM John Perkins provides an insider account of the corrupt system that has extracted trillions of dollars from countries globally, contributing to income inequality and ecological damage. Twelve new chapters explore the allure, exploitation, and consequences of China's EHM strategy. Perkins argues that if the EHM strategy continues unchecked, it will cause severe harm. He proposes a plan to transform the current system—which prioritizes profits—into a Life Economy focused on restoring the earth. The book calls on readers to support actions toward global cooperation that would end both the United States's and China's EHM strategies.