Confessions of an Economic Hitman

By: John Perkins

Narrated by: Brian Emerson

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the inside story of how America turned from a respected republic into a feared empire.

"Economic hit men," John Perkins writes, "are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder."

John Perkins should know; he was an economic hit man. His job was to convince countries that are strategically important to the U.S., from Indonesia to Panama, to accept enormous loans for infrastructure development and to make sure that the lucrative projects were contracted to Halliburton, Bechtel, Brown and Root, and other United States engineering and construction companies. Saddled with huge debts, these countries came under the control of the United States government, World Bank, and other U.S.-dominated aid agencies that acted like loan sharks, dictating repayment terms and bullying foreign governments into submission.

This extraordinary real-life tale exposes international intrigue, corruption, and little-known government and corporate activities that have dire consequences for American democracy and the world.

Listen to John Perkins discuss the book on To the Best of Our Knowledge.

©2004 John Perkins (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Interesting, repetitive, and seemingly farcical

Would you consider the audio edition of Confessions of an Economic Hitman to be better than the print version?

As far as the time savings, yes. I'm not sure how to answer this question.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it was something I had to read for class and that it was in audiobook form.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

There were strange pauses, or unnecessary pauses at least. Cutting down on the pauses would've knocked off a good amount of time.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No. I thought parts of it were absurd. May that's due to the fact that nothing was really set up well. The story wasn't told well.

Too SJW preachy.

Perkins alluded to voting for “enlightened “ school boards in his epilogue .... and other SJW propaganda. In the age of C*vid where teachers unions are making unrealistic demands to go along with their cushy little contracts, and instilling fear in a lost generation of kids, I think I’ll keep voting my conservative conscience, thank you. I know too many people like this guy that want to shove their ideology down your throat. Glad I listened to it, so I can further know and understand those that I disagree with on an ideological basis. I would only recommend to my conservative friends so they can be aware of the Lefts agenda.

"Wake up!" - Zach de la Rocha

The reality of how global politics plays out is much more clear after listening to this book. thank John Perkins for the bravery to share your story. The countries who have been exploited will be redeemed, if only we will listen as global citizens and act accordingly with ok ur consciences and our hearts.

Insight to US World dominance - and not all good

A long book, but covers so much material. It helps explain many international events from the latter part of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.

Jesus is the way

The author’s confessions leave me fully persuaded that Jesus is the way and that there is no hope for man without him.

wrong basic premise

Don't agree with the premise that economic development is not good for developing countries.its the greed of the country leaders that caused hardship. nothing to do with US. any other country would do the same. try to sell the technology they have.

Opened a whole world of reading

Absolutely amazing, getting an insight inside what happens behind closed doors, would loved to hear more about the middle east but I guess i need to do research myself.

Great Book! Highly Recommended

No one has ever accused me of being a conspiracy theorist, but I was astounded to learn the things our government has done (does) around the world. Perhaps these things are necessary for the protection of our national interests (or maybe not?), but If you truly want to open your eyes to the way the world (and our government) works, then this book is a must read. It keep me captivated from cover to cover.

scary

oh the games that the 1% get themselves up to... A bit melodramatic at times, but instructive and interesting. It would be nice if more evil people turned good and let us in on their secrets.

Great read!

Fascinating story, interesting facts although there might be some missing data eg: regarding Iran, easy listen and pleasant voice. Definitely recommend it.