How Does Economic Hitman Work? Break Free Guide

The concept of an "Economic Hitman" was first introduced by John Perkins, a former economist at Chas. T. Main, an international consulting firm. In his 2004 book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man," Perkins revealed the inner workings of a system designed to exploit and manipulate developing countries, forcing them into debt and subservience to the United States and other powerful nations. This article will delve into the mechanisms and strategies employed by Economic Hitmen, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding their operations and the impact on global economies.

What is an Economic Hitman?

An Economic Hitman is an individual, often working for a consulting firm or government agency, who is tasked with convincing leaders of developing countries to accept large loans from international financial institutions, such as the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These loans are typically used to finance infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power plants, which are often contracted to American or other Western companies. The Economic Hitman’s primary goal is to create a situation where the developing country becomes heavily indebted to the lender, allowing the lender to exert significant control over the country’s economic and political policies.

How Economic Hitmen Operate

Economic Hitmen typically follow a well-rehearsed script when interacting with developing countries. They begin by identifying a country with significant economic potential, often due to its natural resources or strategic location. The Economic Hitman will then use various tactics to gain the trust of the country’s leaders, including:

• Offering attractive loan packages with low interest rates and favorable repayment terms
• Providing economic forecasts and growth projections that are overly optimistic, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among the country’s leaders
• Using bribery, corruption, and other forms of coercion to influence decision-making
• Employing sophisticated marketing and sales techniques to promote the benefits of the loan and the associated infrastructure projects

Once the country has accepted the loan, the Economic Hitman will work to ensure that the funds are used to benefit American or Western companies, rather than the local population. This can involve:

• Contracting American companies to build and manage the infrastructure projects, often at inflated prices
• Implementing policies that favor American or Western businesses, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and trade agreements
• Using the loan as leverage to influence the country’s economic and political decisions, often to the detriment of the local population

Consequences of Economic Hitmen

The actions of Economic Hitmen have far-reaching consequences for developing countries, including:

• Heavy debt burdens, which can lead to economic instability, poverty, and social unrest
• Loss of sovereignty, as the country becomes beholden to its creditors and is forced to implement policies that benefit foreign interests
• Environmental degradation, as infrastructure projects are often designed to benefit American or Western companies, rather than the local population
• Human rights abuses, as the focus on economic growth and profit can lead to the exploitation of local workers and communities

Break Free from Economic Hitmen

To avoid the pitfalls of Economic Hitmen, developing countries must be aware of the tactics and strategies employed by these individuals. This can involve:

• Seeking independent economic advice, rather than relying solely on the advice of American or Western consultants
• Negotiating loan agreements that are fair and transparent, with clear repayment terms and conditions
• Implementing policies that prioritize the needs and interests of the local population, rather than foreign corporations
• Building strong, diverse economies that are less reliant on foreign aid and investment

Real-World Examples

There are many real-world examples of Economic Hitmen in action, including:

• The 1970s and 1980s, when Economic Hitmen convinced several Latin American countries to accept large loans from the World Bank and IMF, leading to debt crises and economic instability
• The 1990s, when Economic Hitmen played a key role in the Asian financial crisis, convincing countries such as Indonesia and Thailand to accept large loans and implement policies that benefited American and Western companies
• The 2000s, when Economic Hitmen were involved in the exploitation of natural resources in countries such as Congo and Angola, leading to human rights abuses and environmental degradation

Future Implications

The actions of Economic Hitmen have significant implications for the future of global economies and international relations. As developing countries become increasingly aware of the tactics employed by Economic Hitmen, they may become more cautious when dealing with American or Western consultants and investors. This could lead to:

• A shift towards more sustainable and equitable economic models, which prioritize the needs and interests of local populations
• A decrease in the influence of American and Western companies in developing countries, as local economies become more self-sufficient and diverse
• An increase in global economic cooperation and diplomacy, as countries work together to build stronger, more equitable economies