Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

November 8, 2004
Perkins spent the 1970s working as an economic planner for an international consulting firm, a job that took him to exotic locales like Indonesia and Panama, helping wealthy corporations exploit developing nations as, he claims, a not entirely unwitting front for the National Security Agency. He says he was trained early in his career by a glamorous older woman as one of many "economic hit men" advancing the cause of corporate hegemony. He also says he has wanted to tell his story for the last two decades, but his shadowy masters have either bought him off or threatened him until now. The story as presented is implausible to say the least, offering so few details that Perkins often seems paranoid, and the simplistic political analysis doesn't enhance his credibility. Despite the claim that his work left him wracked with guilt, the artless prose is emotionally flat and generally comes across as a personal crisis of conscience blown up to monstrous proportions, casting Perkins as a victim not only of his own neuroses over class and money but of dark forces beyond his control. His claim to have assisted the House of Saud in strengthening its ties to American power brokers may be timely enough to attract some attention, but the yarn he spins is ultimately unconvincing, except perhaps to conspiracy buffs.

January 1, 2005
According to Perkins, a former Economic Hit Man and founding president of Dream Change Coalition, "Economic hit men (EHMs) are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign aid' organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet's natural resources." Perkins began this book in the early 1980s but claims to have put it aside owing to threats and bribes. Perkins's daughter Jessica finally inspired him to finish it by declaring, "Don't worry dad. If they get you, I'll take over where you left off. We need to do this for the grandchildren I hope to give you someday." This riveting look at a world of intrigue reads like a spy novel. Perkins vividly recounts his work throughout the world, from Saudi Arabia to Panama to Ecuador, and introduces such characters as Panamanian president Omar Torrijos, who became a personal friend. Highly recommended for both academic and public libraries.-Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2016

Perkins, former chief economist at a major international consulting firm, here updates and expands his 2004 Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. He defines economic hit men (EHM) as "highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign 'aid' organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet's natural resources." Perkins relates his story from his boyhood through his recruitment as an EHM, traveling the world and experiencing as a direct participant or witness events such as Saudi Arabian money laundering, Panama Canal negotiations, the death of Omar Torrijos of Panama, and events leading up to the invasion of Iraq. Along the way, Perkins recounts an encounter with spy novelist Graham Greene, threats to his family, a possible poisoning, and the decision to write of his experiences. He concludes by offering advice on how to create a better world, including specific guidance for students, retirees, corporations, and entrepreneurs. VERDICT An intriguing, vivid account of Perkins's "living on the edge" experiences, this fascinating read is of the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction variety.--Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Queens, NY

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.