In 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man,' John Perkins delves into the clandestine world of economic hit men (EHMs) and the role they play in shaping global economics and politics. The book is a continuation of his earlier work, providing a more in-depth look into how the United States and other powers exert influence over developing nations, often at the expense of those nations' sovereignty and economic stability. Perkins provides a historical context, explores ideological battles, and uncovers the mechanics and consequences of international interventionism.
Key Takeaways
John Perkins expands on the concept of economic hit men, revealing their evolution and the historical context of their operations, particularly during the Cold War era.
The book discusses the ideological battle between capitalism and totalitarian socialism, highlighting the moral arguments for fossil fuels and economic growth, and the distinction between imperialist and entrepreneurial capitalism.
Perkins examines the mechanics of global hegemony, including the pursuit of empire, the role of hegemony in international politics, and the notion of the dual state and administrative prerogative.
Covert operations, such as the use of PROMIS software for intelligence surveillance and the Octopus Murders, are explored as methods of maintaining control and ensuring government continuity in catastrophic scenarios.
The implications of U.S. interventionism are critically assessed through case studies of overthrows from Hawaii to Iraq, the impact on international relations and sovereignty, and the role of deterrence and economic interdependence.
The Evolution of Economic Hit Men
Origins and Historical Context
The origins of Economic Hit Men (EHMs) are deeply rooted in the historical context of post-World War II geopolitics. Democracy and capitalism emerged as dominant forces in the aftermath of the war, setting the stage for a new era of economic and political strategies. The rise of socialism and communism as counterpoints to capitalism's flaws during the Industrial Revolution, as highlighted by Karl Marx, created a backdrop for the emergence of EHMs.
The role of EHMs has been to covertly influence the economic and political landscapes of strategically important countries. They operate by offering lucrative deals, often leading to insurmountable debt and dependency, thereby ensuring the alignment of these countries with the interests of the dominant powers.
While the documentary and essays on the subject cover the 'what' of EHMs, they often leave the 'why' to interpretation, hinting at the underlying motives and consequences of their actions.
The Role of Economic Hit Men in Shaping Foreign Policy
Economic Hit Men (EHMs) have played a pivotal role in the strategic deployment of economic influence to shape foreign policy. Their primary objective has been to realign the political and economic landscapes of target countries to favor the interests of their home nation. During the Cold War, the United States, fearing countries would "fall to godless communism," actively intervened, promoting Democracy and Capitalism as a counter-strategy.
The methods employed by EHMs are diverse, ranging from negotiating favorable trade deals to orchestrating loans that ensnare nations in debt. These tactics not only ensure compliance but also create a dependency that can be exploited for geopolitical gains. The legacy of EHMs is evident in the global south and the Middle East, where the echoes of past interventions still shape the present.
Understanding the role of EHMs is crucial in assessing the broader implications of U.S. interventionism and its long-term impact on international relations and sovereignty.
Comparing Cold War and Modern Strategies
The strategic landscape has evolved significantly from the Cold War era to the modern day. The shift from ideological battles to geopolitical power plays marks a distinct change in how nations assert their influence on the global stage. During the Cold War, the focus was on the spread of communism versus capitalism, with each side vying for the allegiance of newly independent nations.
In contrast, today's strategies involve a complex interplay of economic might, cyber warfare, and soft power. The resurgence of great power politics, reminiscent of the New Cold War, has seen a return to aggressive posturing and strategic competition.
Old Cold War: Ideological conflict, nuclear brinkmanship, proxy wars
New Cold War: Economic sanctions, cyber espionage, influence operations
The Ideological Battle: Capitalism vs. Totalitarian Socialism
The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Economic Growth
The debate over fossil fuels often centers on their environmental impact, but proponents like Alex Epstein present a different perspective. Fossil fuels have been instrumental in creating a more flourishing society, by providing cheap, plentiful, and reliable energy. This energy has not only improved living standards but also contributed to a more livable climate and greater environmental quality.
Critics, however, point to the adverse effects of fossil fuels, citing studies that link them to millions of deaths. These studies typically focus on the impact of particulate matter, known as PM2.5, but often lack concrete documentation of actual deaths, relying instead on statistical models.
In the context of economic growth, the cost of transitioning to alternative energy sources is a significant consideration. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration provides a basis for estimating the immense financial implications of such a shift, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach to energy transition.
Imperialist vs. Entrepreneurial Capitalism
The distinction between Imperialist Capitalism and Entrepreneurial Capitalism is crucial in understanding the dynamics of global economic systems. Imperialist Capitalism is often associated with the post-World War II era, where American dominance and the concept of American Exceptionalism sought to maintain a hegemonic capitalist system. This form of capitalism is characterized by the pursuit of natural resources and geopolitical influence, often at the expense of newly decolonized nations.
In contrast, Entrepreneurial Capitalism is seen as a more ethical and sustainable model that aligns with Catholic Social Teaching. It emphasizes economic freedom, innovation, and the moral responsibility of businesses. This model fosters participatory governance and diverse economic activity, which Dr. Andrew Abela suggests is more conducive to human flourishing.
Imperialist Capitalism: Pursuit of resources, geopolitical control, American Exceptionalism.
Entrepreneurial Capitalism: Innovation, economic freedom, alignment with moral principles.
The Influence of Catholic Social Teaching on Economic Systems
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) offers a unique perspective on economic systems, advocating for a balance between the material needs of individuals and the ethical considerations of society. Dr. Andrew Abela's distinction between Imperialist Capitalism and Entrepreneurial Capitalism, which aligns with CST, highlights the need for economic models that support human dignity and the common good.
The crisis in Capitalism has led to various discussions and initiatives aimed at reforming the system to prevent its self-destruction. Organizations like the Democracy Collaborative and Next System Project, as well as groups like Becoming Denizen, are actively exploring alternatives to traditional capitalist models.
While no system perfectly addresses human needs, CST encourages a form of capitalism that is more inclusive and socially responsible, resonating with the aspirations of many, especially the youth disillusioned with current economic paradigms.
The Mechanics of Global Hegemony
Understanding Hegemony in International Politics
Hegemony in international politics represents the dominance of one state over others, not just through coercion, but also through the consensual acceptance of its leadership and norms. The United States' pursuit of imperial hegemony is a foundational assumption in understanding its foreign policy and international behavior. This pursuit is driven by a combination of factors, including military might, economic influence, and cultural dominance, all of which are perceived as beneficial to the hegemon or its allies.
The concept of hegemony is amplified by the perception of legitimacy and benevolence. As political scientist Aaron Good notes, the US's hegemonic strategy is often justified by the notion of American Exceptionalism, which posits that the US leads in a way that is ostensibly advantageous for the global order. However, the analysis of contemporary capitalism by thinkers like Graeber and Piketty raises questions about the societal and economic impacts of such dominance, highlighting issues such as the rise of meaningless jobs, wealth gaps, and the productivity paradox.
Ultimately, the evaluation of hegemonic power involves scrutinizing whose interests are represented and why certain historical opportunities for peace and disarmament may have been overlooked by ruling elites.
The Pursuit of Empire and Its Driving Forces
The pursuit of empire has been a consistent theme in the history of international relations, often driven by the desire for hegemony—the ability to influence or control the behavior of states. The forces that compel the US to pursue empire are of key significance. These forces include the quest for geopolitical dominance, control over strategic resources, and the spread of ideological systems.
Geopolitical dominance involves the strategic positioning and influence over regions that are considered pivotal to world power dynamics.
Control over strategic resources, such as oil, minerals, and waterways, ensures economic and military advantages.
The spread of ideological systems, particularly during the Cold War, was a battle between different political economies vying for global influence.
The concept of hegemony is crucial in the realm of international and US politics, amplified by the state's use of power—financial, military, social, cultural, political. These elements are intertwined with the Rules for Rulers, which dictate how ruling elites maintain control and influence both domestically and internationally.
The Dual State and Administrative Prerogative
The concept of the dual state refers to the coexistence of a democratic facade alongside a network of institutions that operate according to the administrative prerogative, often beyond the reach of democratic oversight. The pursuit of empire is driven by administrative prerogatives that prioritize state interests, frequently at the expense of democratic processes.
The administrative prerogative is exercised through various means, including covert operations and the manipulation of international politics. It is a tool for maintaining hegemony, which is the amplified use of power across financial, military, social, cultural, and political spheres.
The following points highlight the characteristics of a dual state system:
A visible, democratic state structure that functions alongside a hidden, more powerful network.
The use of administrative prerogatives to bypass traditional democratic checks and balances.
The strategic pursuit of hegemony to ensure control over global resources and geopolitical influence.
Covert Operations and the Quest for Control
The PROMIS Software and Intelligence Surveillance
The PROMIS software represents a pivotal point in the history of intelligence surveillance. Initially designed for the legal profession to manage court records, PROMIS was repurposed by intelligence agencies for far-reaching surveillance activities. The software's adaptability made it a powerful tool for monitoring and data collection, enabling agencies to exploit its capabilities for extensive intelligence operations.
PROMIS was not just a passive tool; it was actively involved in the expansion of surveillance capitalism. This partnership between public intelligence entities and private corporations facilitated a new era of surveillance, where personal data became a commodity. The rise of the internet and advancements in technology such as biometric recognition and artificial intelligence only accelerated this trend.
The following points highlight the impact of PROMIS and related surveillance technologies:
The creation of 'Trap Doors' by agencies like the NSA, allowing for clandestine access to networks and data.
The transformation of intelligence agencies into a nexus connecting the 'overworld' and the 'underworld'.
The commodification of personal data through public-private surveillance partnerships.
The ethical and legal implications of widespread surveillance on individual freedoms and organizational security.
The Octopus Murders: Unveiling Covert Activities
The Octopus Murders represent a chilling intersection of covert operations and criminal syndicates, as highlighted in the Netflix documentary American Conspiracy. The saga of PROMIS software reveals the depths of surveillance and espionage undertaken by intelligence agencies, which manipulated technology to gain unprecedented access to global intelligence data.
The PROMIS software became a tool for U.S. intelligence to monitor foreign agencies.
A complex web of global crime and covert operations was unraveled.
The implications of these activities have had far-reaching effects on international relations and the balance of power.
The revelations from these investigations have not only shed light on the dark corners of international espionage but also raised questions about the sanity and obsession that drive such covert activities. The impact on the shipping industry and international scrutiny cannot be overstated, as they are now under the lens of global conspiracy theories and the quest for truth.
Raven Rock: Government Continuity in Catastrophic Scenarios
In the unsettling reality of modern geopolitics, the threat of nuclear war looms larger than it has since the 1980s. Garrett Graff's book, Raven Rock, delves into the US government's classified plans to ensure its own survival in the event of a nuclear catastrophe. These plans starkly prioritize the preservation of government leadership over the general populace.
The concept of Continuity of Government (COG) is not just a theoretical framework but a set of concrete measures designed to maintain governmental functions under the most dire circumstances. The chilling implication is that the survival of the citizenry is secondary to that of the ruling elites.
The survival of US government leaders
The lack of political will to disarm
The updated rules for rulers in geopolitical clashes
The ongoing construction and support for nuclear arsenals
The question of whether humanity can manage the technologies it has created and avoid self-destruction is a pressing one. The need for bold leadership and progressive realism is paramount if we are to navigate these treacherous waters and thrive together.
Implications and Consequences of U.S. Interventionism
Case Studies of Overthrows from Hawaii to Iraq
The United States' involvement in the overthrow of foreign governments spans from the annexation of Hawaii to the invasion of Iraq. Each case study reveals a pattern of interventionism driven by a mix of ideological, economic, and strategic interests. The consequences of these actions have shaped international relations and continue to influence global politics.
Hawaii (1893): The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and subsequent annexation by the U.S. was motivated by economic interests and the strategic importance of the islands.
Iran (1953): The CIA-led coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was primarily about controlling oil resources and countering Soviet influence.
Chile (1973): The U.S. supported the military coup that ousted President Salvador Allende, fearing the spread of socialism.
Iraq (2003): The invasion was justified by the U.S. on grounds of disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, which were never found, and led to long-term instability.
The Impact on International Relations and Sovereignty
The actions of figures like Jho Low in the 1MDB scandal have underscored the fragility of international financial systems and the need for greater transparency. This has led to a renewed emphasis on international cooperation to tackle financial crimes. The sovereignty of nations is increasingly challenged by such scandals, which transcend borders and implicate various state and non-state actors.
The quest for hegemony, whether through financial, military, or cultural means, has profound implications for international relations. The United States, in its pursuit of empire, has often been at the center of this dynamic, shaping the geopolitical landscape through both overt and covert actions.
The legacy of imperialism and the competition for resources during the decolonization period have left a lasting mark on the international system, with former colonies often finding themselves as pawns in a larger game of geopolitical chess.
Reassessing the Role of Deterrence and Economic Interdependence
In the complex web of global politics, deterrence and economic interdependence play pivotal roles in maintaining peace and stability. The concept of deterrence hinges on the ability to dissuade adversaries from taking aggressive actions by showcasing a credible threat of retaliation. Economic interdependence, on the other hand, suggests that the intricate economic connections between nations can act as a deterrent in itself, as mutual prosperity is at stake.
Incentives and competition, as discussed by Thomas Sowell in 'Basic Economics,' are crucial in understanding the behavior of nations. Taxation and government intervention, while shaping economic behavior, also reveal the trade-offs and consequences inherent in international relations. The balance between deterrence and economic ties is delicate, and miscalculations can lead to escalated tensions or conflict.
The following points encapsulate the essence of this reassessment:
The effectiveness of deterrence in preventing conflict.
The role of economic ties in promoting peace and reform in authoritarian regimes.
The impact of rising prosperity on the political landscape of nations.
Conclusion
In 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man,' John Perkins delves into the shadowy world of economic imperialism and the role of the United States in shaping global politics and economies. Through a blend of historical analysis, personal narrative, and critical insight, Perkins exposes the strategies and consequences of American hegemony. His revelations about the use of economic hit men to coerce foreign governments into serving US interests, often at the expense of their own people, are both alarming and enlightening. The book serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of international relations and the often unseen forces that drive them. As we reflect on the narratives and critiques presented by Perkins and others, it becomes clear that the pursuit of power and influence can have far-reaching and sometimes devastating effects. This discussion invites us to question the moral implications of such actions and to consider the kind of world we are shaping for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the origins and historical context of Economic Hit Men?
Economic Hit Men (EHMs) originated during the Cold War era, where the United States believed that countries could fall to godless communism unless intervened. EHMs were used to impose Democracy and Capitalism on these countries to prevent the spread of communism, a strategy described by John Perkins in 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man'.
How does the role of EHMs differ from Cold War to modern strategies?
During the Cold War, EHMs were actively involved in ensuring that countries aligned with US interests to prevent the spread of communism. In modern strategies, similar tactics are used by countries like China to exert influence in the global south and the Middle East, as mentioned by Jon Stewart in his interview with Sanger.
What is the moral case for fossil fuels and economic growth?
Advocates like Alex Epstein argue that fossil fuels are essential for economic growth and improving the quality of life. His views, discussed in interviews with figures like John Stossel, suggest that fossil fuels provide reliable energy that is necessary for development and prosperity.
How does Catholic Social Teaching influence economic systems?
Catholic Social Teaching influences economic systems by promoting principles like human dignity, solidarity, and the common good. Dr. Andrew Abela distinguishes between Imperialist Capitalism and Entrepreneurial Capitalism, suggesting that the latter aligns with Catholic Social Teaching by focusing on ethical business practices and social responsibility.
What is the significance of the PROMIS software in covert operations?
The PROMIS software was a sophisticated surveillance tool controlled by US intelligence agencies and sold to foreign intelligence for their operations. This allowed the US to monitor the intelligence activities of other nations, as detailed in the Netflix documentary 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders'.
How has U.S. interventionism impacted international relations and sovereignty?
US interventionism, through actions such as overthrows and covert operations, has had significant impacts on international relations by undermining the sovereignty of nations and altering the balance of power. The consequences of these interventions are explored in works by authors like Stephen Kinzer and in historical case studies from Hawaii to Iraq.