Just finished reading a couple books by Perkins. (Secret History of the American Empire; Confessions of an Economic Hitman). He rose to prominence in the military-industrial complex in the 60s-70s and wrote a couple books about his experiences in several foreign countries up to the 90s. In short, he says organizations like the World Bank and big American companies persuaded many nations to take out enormous loans to fund big infrastructure projects of limited value. He claims these enriched various leaders but impoverished nations. He talks about his experiences in Saudi Arabia, Guatemala, Indonesia and many other places. He claims a guilty conscience motivated him to write books about his experiences and try to convince companies now to act with more social responsibility. He is a good writer who had an interesting life, and it’s an interesting and important subject. But some questions…
-
How is Perkins generally regarded? In a sense, he is trying to have his cake and eat it too. Are his views accurate? Self-serving?
-
Countries need infrastructure. China is supplying it to many in a similar vein, and most countries value foreign investment even if combined with aid. Are these deals really as bad for the average citizen as portrayed? Are many NGOs essentially inefficient and of limited help?
-
Of the world’s largest 100 economies, I would guess maybe half are companies and most of these American companies. I doubt most regret using tax laws or the idiosyncrasies of a given area to their advantage. In areas where there was violence or clearly broken laws, is there any real sense of regret or impetus for reform?
-
Corporate Social Responsibility is a driver for a few companies, and an empty buzzword for many more. Should it be encouraged? How so?