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

Transformation

John Perkins recounts his transformative journey from an economic hitman to a vocal critic of the system. He shares how he was seduced by the allure of money, power, and luxury, which initially drew him into the world of economic manipulation 1. Perkins describes the secretive process of writing his book, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man," which he kept hidden even from his family to avoid interference 2.

I wouldn't tell anybody I was writing the book, not even my wife and daughter. I write it in secret.

--- John Perkins

His revelations highlight the personal and ethical conflicts he faced, ultimately leading to his decision to expose the practices he once participated in.

   

Escapes

Perkins shares gripping escape stories from his time in volatile regions, including a dramatic exit from Iran during the revolution. He recounts how a friend, whose father was a general in the Shah's army, helped him flee just before the country's upheaval 3. This experience underscores the unpredictability and danger inherent in his former line of work.

The next morning, I flew out on Air France with him and went to Rome and it was the next day Iran started to erupt.

--- John Perkins

Perkins reflects on the intelligence failures and misjudgments that often accompany such international crises, revealing the complexities of geopolitical dynamics 4.