The term "Economic Hitman" was first introduced by John Perkins, a former economic consultant who worked for the US government and international corporations. In his book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man," Perkins revealed the secrets of how the United States and other powerful countries use economic manipulation and coercion to exploit and control weaker nations. This article will delve into the world of Economic Hitmen, exploring their tactics, strategies, and the impact of their actions on the global economy.
Who are Economic Hitmen?
Economic Hitmen are highly trained professionals who work for governments, corporations, and financial institutions to promote the interests of their employers. They use a range of tactics, including economic forecasts, feasibility studies, and financial modeling, to convince governments and businesses in developing countries to accept large-scale infrastructure projects, such as dams, highways, and power plants. These projects are often financed by international lenders, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and are designed to generate significant profits for the corporations and financial institutions involved.
Tactics and Strategies of Economic Hitmen
Economic Hitmen use a variety of tactics to achieve their goals, including:
- False economic forecasts: Economic Hitmen create exaggerated economic forecasts to convince governments and businesses that a particular project will generate significant economic benefits.
- Feasibility studies: They conduct feasibility studies that are designed to support the project, rather than provide an objective assessment of its viability.
- Financial modeling: Economic Hitmen use complex financial models to convince governments and businesses that a project is financially viable, even if it is not.
- Cultivating relationships: They build relationships with key decision-makers in the target country, including politicians, business leaders, and government officials.
These tactics are designed to create a false narrative about the benefits of a project, and to convince governments and businesses to accept large-scale infrastructure projects that may not be in their best interests.
The Impact of Economic Hitmen
The actions of Economic Hitmen have significant consequences for the economies and societies of the countries they target. Some of the impacts include:
- Debt burdens: The large-scale infrastructure projects promoted by Economic Hitmen often result in significant debt burdens for the target country, which can lead to economic instability and poverty.
- Environmental degradation: The projects promoted by Economic Hitmen often have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction.
- Social injustice: The projects can also have significant social impacts, including the displacement of communities, the exploitation of workers, and the perpetuation of social inequality.
Examples of the impact of Economic Hitmen can be seen in countries such as Ecuador, Indonesia, and Iran, where large-scale infrastructure projects have resulted in significant economic, environmental, and social problems.
Case Study: Ecuador
In the 1970s, Economic Hitmen from the US government and international corporations convinced the government of Ecuador to accept a large-scale infrastructure project to build an oil pipeline through the Amazon rainforest. The project was financed by the World Bank and was designed to generate significant profits for the corporations involved. However, the project had significant environmental and social impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and the displacement of indigenous communities.
| Country | Project | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ecuador | Oil pipeline | Deforestation, pollution, displacement of indigenous communities |
| Indonesia | Dam construction | Environmental degradation, social injustice, debt burden |
| Iran | Power plant construction | Environmental pollution, social injustice, economic instability |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Economic Hitmen play a significant role in promoting the interests of powerful countries and corporations, often at the expense of weaker nations. Their tactics and strategies have significant consequences for the economies and societies of the countries they target. It is essential to recognize the impact of Economic Hitmen and to promote transparency and accountability in international economic dealings.
What is an Economic Hitman?
+An Economic Hitman is a highly trained professional who works for governments, corporations, and financial institutions to promote the interests of their employers, often by convincing governments and businesses in developing countries to accept large-scale infrastructure projects.
What tactics do Economic Hitmen use?
+Economic Hitmen use a range of tactics, including false economic forecasts, feasibility studies, financial modeling, and cultivating relationships with key decision-makers.
What is the impact of Economic Hitmen?
+The actions of Economic Hitmen have significant consequences for the economies and societies of the countries they target, including debt burdens, environmental degradation, and social injustice.
