A Game As Old As Empire

Steven Hiatt

Physical

Available

John Perkins’ controversial and bestselling exposé, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, revealed for the first time the secret world of economic hit men (EHMs). But Perkins’ Confessions contained only a small piece of this sinister puzzle. The full story is far bigger, deeper, and darker than Perkins’ personal account revealed. Here other EHMs, journalists, and investigators join Perkins to tell their own stories, providing the first probing and expansive look into this pervasive web of systematic corruption.

With chapters spotlighting how specific countries around the globe have been subverted, A Game As Old As Empire uncovers the inner workings of the institutions behind these economic manipulations. The contributors detail concrete examples of how the “economic hit man game” is still being played: an officer of an offshore bank hiding hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen money, IMF advisers slashing Ghana’s education and health programs, a mercenary defending a European oil company in Nigeria, a consultant rewriting Iraqi oil law, and executives financing warlords to secure supplies of coltan ore in Congo. Together they show how this system of corruption and plunder operates in real life, and reveal the price that the rest of the world must pay as a result.

Most important, A Game As Old As Empire connects the dots, showing how the various pieces of this system come together to create the world’s first truly global empire.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Economic Hit Men (EHMs): The book explores the role of EHMs and how they allegedly manipulate economic policies to serve the interests of powerful corporations and governments.

  2. Debt as a Tool of Control: It discusses the concept of indebting developing nations as a means of exerting control and influence over their economic and political decisions.

  3. Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): The impact of SAPs, which are economic reform policies often imposed on developing countries by international financial institutions, is explored, along with their potential negative consequences.

  4. Corporate Influence in International Affairs: The book sheds light on how multinational corporations can wield significant influence over the economic and political affairs of nations.

  5. Resource Exploitation: Discusses how powerful entities exploit the natural resources of developing countries, sometimes leading to environmental degradation and social inequalities.

  6. Impact on Local Populations: The book may highlight the human cost of economic policies, showcasing how ordinary citizens in developing nations are affected by these global economic forces.

  7. Alternative Economic Models: It might present alternative economic models and strategies that promote sustainability, fairness, and social responsibility.

  8. Corruption and Collusion: The book could discuss instances of corruption and collusion between governments, corporations, and financial institutions that perpetuate an unequal global economic system.

  9. Resistance and Activism: It may showcase examples of resistance and activism by individuals and communities against unfair economic practices.

  10. Call for Ethical Global Practices: A central theme might be a call for more ethical and equitable global economic practices that prioritize the well-being of nations and their populations over profit.

Language English
ISBN-10 1576753956
ISBN-13 9781576753958
No of pages 310
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Berrett Koehller
Published Date 11 Mar 2007

About Author

Author : Steven Hiatt

2 Books

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