63 pages • 2 hours read
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
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Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 1970s-2000s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins continues the author's revelations about how American corporations and the US government manipulate developing countries through major development loans that inevitably lead to economic control. Perkins recounts his own experiences as an "economic hit man," coercing poor nations into accepting these loans, and discusses how these practices have extended into the US itself while new global players such as China enter the arena. The book contains sensitive discussions of political assassinations, corruption, and economic exploitation.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
7,635 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Perkins' The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man delves into his experiences manipulating economies for corporate benefit. Reviewers praise its eye-opening revelations and compelling narrative, though some criticize its sensational tone and question its veracity. It remains a thought-provoking read on global economics and corporate ethics.
Who Should Read The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man?
Readers intrigued by global economics, political intrigue, and corporate malfeasance will find The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins captivating. Fans of Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine and Michael Lewis’s The Big Short will appreciate Perkins’s exposé of corporate greed and its influence on global politics and economies.
7,635 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Claudine Martin
Claudine Martin
An enigmatic and instructive figure who trained Perkins in the ways of an economic hit man, focusing on exploiting developing nations for the benefit of American interests.
Omar Torrijos
Omar Torrijos
The leader of Panama known for advocating for the poor and negotiating for control of the Panama Canal. He engaged in a cooperative relationship with Perkins, standing in contrast to US influence.
Paula
Paula
A Colombian friend of Perkins who helps him reconcile his role as an economic hit man with his sympathies for third-world causes, inspiring him to change his life’s direction.
Rafael Correa
Rafael Correa
The president of Ecuador who initially resisted US influence by restricting American investments and military presence, later altering his stance on oil field auctions.
Farhad
Farhad
An Iranian friend of Perkins from Middlebury College whose connections to US governmental circles paved the way for Perkins's future career. He later assists Perkins during the Iranian revolution.
Jaime Roldós
Jaime Roldós
The president of Ecuador who championed independence from US influence and opposed oil companies, admired by Perkins for his commitment to justice.
384
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 1970s-2000s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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