An Economic Hit Man Confesses and Calls to Action | John Perkins | TEDxTraverseCity

John Perkins describes the methods he used to bribe and threaten the heads of state of countries on four continents in order to create a global empire and he reveals how the leaders who did not “play the game" were assassinated or overthrown. He brings us up to date about the way the economic hit man system has spread from developing countries to the US, Europe, and the rest of the world and offers a strategy for turning this around. “Each of us," he says, “can participate in this exciting revolution. We can transform a system that is consuming itself into extinction into one that is sustainable and regenerative."

John's books, including The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, have sold over a million copies, spent more than 70 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists, and are published in more than 30 languages. As Chief Economist at a major consulting firm, his experiences advising the World Bank, UN, IMF, U.S. government, Fortune 500 corporations, and heads of state convinced him to devote his life to facilitating changes in social, political, and economic systems, as well as in general consciousness. He was founder and CEO of a highly successful alternative energy company and is a founder and board member of Dream Change and The Pachamama Alliance, nonprofits dedicated to creating a sustainable, just, peaceful, and thriving world.
John's courage in writing his books and speaking out against his former bosses exemplifies the courage shown by our Founding Fathers and Mothers when they stood up to the British Empire. Like them, John defied threats and bribes and took action.

[jaymadeleka]

When they get old, they start telling the truth. Some old wise man once told me, "Truth always come to light, no matter how late, it will come"

[lesliearmstrong]

I read his book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman"...chilling and deeply depressing. We are the world's rogue nation. We don't have much of a moral base.

[kylemorrison]

I'm so glad people are interested in this. Not only did I produce it, but after reading his book, I asked his publicist if he would do this. He was kind and generous of his time.

[mlindamsowoya]

Am reading his book right now. Without IMF and Word Bank the world could have been a better place

[alymurtza]

Just finished reading his highly compelling book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and the next minute I am here. Hardly two minutes ago I ended up reading his remarkable book. I would recommend everyone to read his confessions in his book. The book is more about fixing the current economic system and world order than the past confessions. He has cited countless examples to prove his arguments that how a march to the global empire has become unstoppable and how the system of corporatocracy is exploiting the world resources. One who reads his book can easily understand the role of WB, IMF and USAID in making America a global empire.

[ElkGiu]

I read his book before watching this video and I felt like he skipped so many things that left me breathless... I strongly recommend to read his book because a 18 minutes talk can't explain the last 50 years of history! We should move towards a solution!

[MahendraBabuRajendran]

Yes. We at Tamil Nadu - southern state of India have started doing that. Lakhs and lakhs of people of TN have stood up on the streets and got our ancient cultural rights (Jallikattu) back, that was banned a couple of years ago. And the locals have decided not to consume (local shop owners decided not to sell) any beverages that ruins our rivers and water reservoirs, which is the only source for our farmers who produce food for our nation. Also, to support our farmers the locals and shop owners have decided to sell and consume only the natural drinks (like Tender Coconut) produced by farmers. The change is happening!

[ahagamama]

Conspiracy is a fact, not a "theory" and John Perkins is giving us the facts.

[mbergling]

for anyone interested to dive deeper into the phenomenon that Perkins describes, you might benefit from knowing that this strategy is commonly referred to as 'debt-trap diplomacy'. through withholding intellectual property and commoditizing science and technology, capitalists in countries in the global north (developed countries) corner countries in the global south ('developing' countries) and sell them loans that are too high, so that when they default (can't pay back) they have to sell off land and other resources very cheaply to pay off those loans/debts.

from John's days it has developed further and now it's got a heavy focus on all things information technology (although definitely not limited to that). technology companies keep the 'recipes' (intellectual property) and then license the use of their recipes to companies like Foxconn who then makes Apple's iPhones (just one example among many).

[marycollins]

Thank you. I am 62 and have read books by this man, so glad to have this shared by a friend with me.

[HoomanAskari]

And why the F*** are they Do you know how many lives have been destroyed by people like these, by governments like these? I guess it's always easier to be at the winning end of the fight :/

[templedialectic]

When a man with his past has a voice that shaky, i pay extreme attention.

[winner]

Just finished reading his book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" just WOW!

[ramonamoncio]

His voice is shaking. There's a pang of heavy guilt inside, and when you are behind the deprivation and destruction of several country's economies and you know millions of people died or suffered and still suffering right now because of what you did, you cannot hide that feeling of guilt. The same happened to the Philippines during the late '70s to the middle '80s, an economic hit man destroyed the nation, the people lives and even to the present, the struggle remains. Millions people gradually died of different causes due to the effect of poverty a clear repercussion of economic destruction. Yes - millions were deprived to achieve a good standard of living.

[johnholmes]

Time is overdue for all Americans and people around the world to get focused on solutions. Thanks John for sharing some solutions.

[jameschurchill]

I was kinda surprised to see John speaking on this public forum. I’m only halfway through, but felt compelled to stand up and be counted. This is the truth, as I know it. Standing up and speaking it loudly and clearly, does make one a target though.
Thanks John. Thanks for speaking the truth.

[Сделайэтодома]

This video should go viral. Why does it have only have 1800 views??

[theresewalters]

I read the book two years ago. Opened my eyes to the story behind the story as he calls it. He has left us with hope that we can change things. Our freedom has depended on we the people all along. We've just been tired, maybe sleeping. Time to get to it again.

[BVP]

What a courageousious man. We need much more of them. For the unity and progress of mankind. Honesty is the way to personal satisfaction to your soul. God bless John!

[mightyginza]

The most important thing is that he's using his wisdom to defend the truth. He had an option of retiring in luxury, but decided to be part of the future through awareness campaigns.
Bravo, to him 👏🏼