John Perkins was an economic hit man. His job was to convince countries that are strategically important to the United States to accept enormous loans and to make sure that the lucrative projects were contracted to U.S. corporations. Saddled with huge debts, these countries then came under the control of the United States. This extraordinary true story exposes international intrigue, corruption, and little-known government and corporate activities that have dire consequences for American democracy and the world.