The Higherside Chats John Perkins | USAID, Economic Hit Men, Iran, & The China Model
Jun 24, 2025
John Perkins, a former economic hitman and bestselling author, shares gripping insights from his controversial career influencing global economic policy. He discusses the manipulative tactics used against developing countries, revealing the Four Pillars of Economic Manipulation. Perkins contrasts U.S. economic imperialism with China's strategic, relationship-driven approach. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas faced in U.S.-Iran relations, the Panama invasion's motives, and his journey towards advocating for a sustainable 'life economy'.
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Four Pillars of Economic Manipulation
- The four pillars of economic manipulation are fear, debt, anxiety over insufficiency, and divide and conquer.
- These pillars evolve but still underpin imperialistic strategies globally.
China's Global Trade Strategy
- China rose as the top trading partner for 80% of countries by 2020, surpassing the United States.
- China's strategy focuses on trade and partnerships rather than military intervention.
China's Softer Economic Hitman Tactics
- China avoids imposing harsh conditions unlike the U.S., promoting a narrative of partnership over control.
- However, collateralizing resources remains a shared method in agreements.
