In the Shadow of the Economic Hitman: Understanding Power Games in the Global Economy

"Economic Hitman" is a term used to refer to individuals or agents who engage in controversial economic practices, where they use pressure, manipulation, or illegal actions to influence the economic policies of other countries in favor of certain interests, often for the benefit of the company or personal interests. This term first became popular in the book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" (2004) by John Perkins.

According to Perkins, an "economic hitman" usually works for an international financial institution or multinational corporation, and their job is to encourage developing countries or other governments to accept massive loans that will bind them economically. These loans are then used for large and expensive infrastructure projects implemented by the same companies that provided the loans. This can leave countries trapped in huge debts, and if they are unable to pay back the debts, then lenders can demand further political or economic concessions.

This concept is highly controversial and many deny its existence or practice as described by Perkins. However, the term "economic hitman" is often used widely in discussions of geopolitics, global economics, and the role of international financial institutions in international relations.