![]() ![]() ![]() But Perkins learns the US wanted to secure oil and political leverage in the region helping the country’s population was a distant concern. The US purportedly wanted to fight communism. Perkins learns more about Indonesia as a successful example of these policies. Along with a diplomatic advantage, the US gains an economic advantage because these less developed countries (LDC in the book) become beholden to US companies like Bechtel, Halliburton, and Boeing. ![]() According to Perkins, some of these past favors included a favorable UN vote, access to oil extraction, or an agreement to build a military base within the country’s borders. The creditors have substantial US ties, and when the US wants favorable treatment in certain areas, it can have its representatives deal (some would say exhort) favorable outcomes from these poor countries. Once countries inevitably default on the loans, they come under the control of The World Bank or The International Monetary Fund. The sites include dams, power plants, airports, and highways. He learns that his job as an economist will be to convince foreign governments to accept large, unfair loans for various construction projects. Perkins travels to Kuwait and is trained by a woman to be, what he calls, an Economic Hit Man (EHM). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |