Includes bibliographical references (p. 221-231) and index.

John Perkins has seen economic meltdowns before--the banking industry collapse, the rising tide of unemployment, the shuttering of businesses are all too familiar symptoms of a far greater disease. As an economic hit man, he was involved in events once confined to the Third World, that have now sent the United States--and in fact the entire planet--spiraling toward disaster. Here, Perkins shows how we've been hoodwinked by the CEOs who run those few corporations that control the capital, land, and resources--and the politicians they manipulate. These corporate fat cats have sold us all on what he calls predatory capitalism, an exploitation of the many to benefit the already very wealthy. Their arrogance, gluttony, and mismanagement have brought us to the edge. But there is a way out. As Perkins makes clear, we can create a healthy economy that will encourage businesses to act responsibly, in the interests of their employees, their customers, the environment, and society at large.--From publisher description.