John Perkins Reveals the Economic Hit Man Playbook
US Hegemonic Interference in West Asia: A Personal Reflection with Insights from John Perkins
I have spent much of my life seeking to understand the complexities surrounding the West Asian region—its cultural richness, centuries-old heritage, and the external influences that have shaped its modern trajectory. Recently, I guest-hosted a fascinating podcast interview with John Perkins, the well-known author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and other works. The conversation spanned global economics, political manoeuvring, and firsthand accounts of how the United States has exerted its power to maintain dominance. Here, I want to share my reflections, focusing on West Asia and drawing upon Perkins' explanation of why US hegemonic interference has proven detrimental to the prosperity and sovereignty of countless communities across the region.
Setting the Stage: A Background on West Asia's Struggles
In West Asia—often referred to by outsiders as the Middle East—many nations have historically faced turmoil when larger powers attempt to control resources or sway political outcomes. From the vantage point of those who have experienced these undercurrents of pressure, like my own family and friends, it is clear that external policies and economic "assistance" are seldom pure acts of goodwill. Instead, they frequently come with conditions that stifle local development, degrade cultural independence, and create an environment where local leadership has little room to manoeuvre.
John Perkins articulates this dynamic by illustrating how the dominant powers—particularly the United States—identify countries with valuable resources and then offer loans and contracts under the guise of support. He said, "My job was to get them [leaders of targeted countries] to arrange a huge loan from the World Bank or one of its sister organisations, but the money never actually went to the country. Instead, it went to our own corporations."
When I hear these words, I think of countries in West Asia known for oil wealth or strategic locations. We have witnessed infrastructure plans, oil exploration deals, and massive public works projects that, on the surface, looked like foreign investment. However, the broader consequence was often that local people never truly benefited in the long run.
The Mechanics of Economic Coercion
One core element of Perkins' account is how "economic hit men" persuade and sometimes coerce political figures in weaker nations to accept deals that primarily serve US corporate and strategic interests. He stated, "Our job was to create what you could almost call a corporate empire supported by the US government." Although he described his experiences some decades ago, his outlined methods remain distressingly familiar.
In West Asia, local governments often struggle to balance their development needs against the demands of powerful foreign actors. Perkins explained that leaders are tempted by everything from personal financial gains to lucrative side contracts for family members. Meanwhile, large US corporations—backed by official agencies—reap the rewards of construction, defence, energy extraction, and technology contracts.
When these same leaders resist or attempt to renegotiate the unfavourable terms, they risk isolation or, in extreme cases, more direct forms of intervention. "If a president didn't go along," Perkins asserted, "the people we call 'the jackals' were right behind me, usually CIA assets that have overthrown or assassinated leaders around the world." Although the conversation in the podcast touched on examples from various continents, many in West Asia have their own stories of how toppling a reluctant leader can lead to chaos, civil strife, or the empowerment of factions that further hinder genuine progress.
Personal Reflections from West Asia
I have watched these patterns unfold, where seemingly ambitious infrastructure ventures promised to revitalise entire regions yet barely benefited the communities they were meant to serve. All too often, the mounting debt from such projects consumed funds that should have been directed toward schools or healthcare facilities. In Iraq, for instance, large-scale reconstruction initiatives after the 2003 invasion poured billions into new roads and utility systems—but many of those developments ended up half-finished or poorly maintained. Residents saw little meaningful improvement. At the same time, enormous sums of money disappeared into the hands of international contractors and private interests.
This cycle echoes John Perkins' observation that "money gets diverted from health care, education, and other social services to pay the interest on the debt… then, when the principal can't be paid, we go back and say: 'sell your oil cheap to our corporations.'" From the outskirts of Baghdad to smaller towns across the country, people struggle with an underfunded medical system, outdated hospital equipment, and overcrowded classrooms—realities that starkly contrast the glossy announcements heralding a brighter future. Seeing modern highways or expansive airport terminals built for outside corporations is a painful sight. At the same time, most citizens remain on the margins, feeling excluded and unheard. Ultimately, what looks like development on paper has often reinforced the influence of a privileged few, leaving everyday families weighed down by debt and broken promises.
John Perkins' Explanation of the "Method"
Central to Perkins' explanation is that foreign loans are rarely transparent or altruistic. Often, they are designed to secure corporate control over natural resources—oil, minerals, or strategic transport corridors. He describes how "we identified countries with resources our corporations want, like oil… then arranged big loans, but the money never went to the countries themselves. It went to our own corporations, constructing huge infrastructure projects that help a few rich families."
West Asia's hydrocarbon wealth makes it especially vulnerable to this predatory approach. Beyond extracting valuable commodities, there is a push to control shipping lanes, supply chains, and financial flows. One example is how new highways or ports are built. These projects are framed as modernisation or alliances for development. However, the terms often lock countries into debt obligations that end up crippling their capacity to invest in independent economic ventures.
The Resulting Harm to West Asian Societies
The immediate repercussions of this arrangement include a deepening wealth gap, where a small number of influential families profit substantially while the broader population toils under mounting living costs. Over time, this exacerbates internal tensions. For instance, animosity arises in areas known for their cultural diversity when people believe certain communities or provinces receive preferential treatment due to alignment with external financial interests.
Additionally, these inequitable deals undermine national sovereignty. As Perkins puts it, "They end up having to sell their oil really cheap, without environmental or social regulations, let us build a military base, and vote with us at the next United Nations meeting." The sense of being coerced into a subordinate role fuels resentment, which can feed instability and mistrust.
From my point of view, it’s heartbreaking to see so many talented young people—scientists, artists, and innovators—leave our homeland because they feel there aren’t enough opportunities at home. Often, they find that outside businesses or ongoing US sanctions overshadow any real effort to support local talent. The Sultanate of Oman is trying to reverse this trend by focusing on homegrown employment and reducing reliance on foreign workers. Whether these initiatives will truly succeed, however, is something we’ll only know with time.
Hope for a Decolonial Lens
Despite Perkins's grim accounts, his latest reflections include a call for individual and collective awareness. We cannot merely point fingers at foreign policies without also examining local complicity. From my standpoint, the drive toward a truly decolonial lens means recognising that local leaders must answer to their people, not solely to foreign investors or political powers seeking quick gains.
It also means reimagining development to prioritise sustainable, inclusive growth. Rather than large-scale projects designed primarily to enrich corporations, West Asian communities need genuine infrastructure that respects cultural contexts, invests in education, and fosters equitable resource sharing. Perkins says, "We need to change the system, and we do it by understanding how this global economic system is rigged." This statement resonates strongly with me, underscoring the necessity of a widespread shift in consciousness.
Moving Forward: Lessons for West Asia and Beyond
My takeaway from hearing John Perkins speak is that genuine progress demands more than rejecting one hegemonic power only to embrace another. It calls for transparent governance, accountability, and local empowerment. In West Asia, that means forging economic initiatives that do not rely on unsustainable borrowing from institutions structured to safeguard external interests.
We must also cultivate cultural pride and unity. The shared language, diverse faith traditions, and historical legacies that bind West Asian communities can become powerful tools for asserting sovereignty. If we strengthen regional cooperation, invest in local industry, and encourage knowledge exchange by prioritising local value systems, we may finally break the pattern Perkins describes—where powerful nations manipulate weaker ones for corporate advantage.
Speaking in the first person, I remain hopeful. The stories Perkins provides serve as both cautionary tales and catalysts, reminding us that we have agency. By raising awareness, cultivating solidarity, and insisting on accountability from our leadership, we can dismantle the structures perpetuating exploitation. Reflecting on the West Asian experience, I recognise our region's resilience. The next phase of development need not echo the mistakes of the past.
Ultimately, Perkins' candid descriptions of "economic hit men" reveal the underbelly of international relations: financial colonialism concealed behind shiny promises of prosperity. However, they also highlight our collective power to resist. As West Asians—and global citizens—we must question every "investment" that arrives with hidden strings, expose deceptive economic practices, and strive for an equitable future.
In my heart, I believe we can turn this tide. That belief motivates me to share these insights, pushing back against any attempt to reduce our communities to mere pawns in a global game of profits and control. When I recall Perkins saying, "We were creating an empire, but it's really a corporate empire… always supported by the US government," I am reminded that knowledge of these manipulations empowers us to demand and build better alternatives, especially for a region as culturally and historically significant as West Asia.