416: John Perkins | New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

China's Strategy

China's growing influence in global politics is evident through its strategic economic expansion and infrastructure investments, notably the Belt and Road Initiative. John Perkins highlights how China has learned from the mistakes of the US and Russia, focusing on commercial dominance rather than political ideology 1. This approach allows China to efficiently secure resources and establish alliances across numerous countries, particularly in Africa 1.

The Chinese are not trying to put down the American way or the Russian way or anybody else's way. They're simply trying to bring in their way and dominate resources.

--- John Perkins

Perkins notes that while China's methods are authoritarian, they are also efficient, contrasting with the democratic processes in the US that often lead to internal conflict 2.

   

Military Spending

The role of military investment in geopolitical power is scrutinized, with John Perkins critiquing the US's focus on outdated military spending. He argues that a significant portion of the US discretionary budget is allocated to the military, often for obsolete weapons systems 3. This contrasts with the advancements in cyber warfare by countries like China and Russia, which pose a real threat to US security 4.

$54 out of every $100 you or I, or any American citizen pays in taxes, 54 percent of it in the discretionary budget goes to the military.

--- John Perkins

Jordan Harbinger adds that the US's defensive capabilities in cyber warfare are notably weak, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in focus 4.