The Economic Hit Man: A Critical Examination

The Economic Hit Man: A Critical Examination

Overview

In this study, we will delve into the concept of economic hit men, individuals who secretly manipulate and control governments and economies for personal gain. We will examine two case studies: Jaime Roldós Aguilera of Ecuador and Omar Torrijos of Panama, who were allegedly assassinated in 1981 due to their opposition to a global empire led by corporate, government, and banking interests.

Context

The 1970s and 1980s saw significant economic growth and development in Latin America. Many countries, including Ecuador and Panama, received loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. However, these efforts often came with strings attached, as foreign powers sought to exert control over the region’s resources and governments.

Timeline:

• 1970s: The United States begins lending money to Ecuador and Panama through the IMF and World Bank.
• 1981: Jaime Roldós Aguilera of Ecuador and Omar Torrijos of Panama are assassinated, allegedly due to their opposition to a global empire led by corporate, government, and banking interests.
• 1990: Ecuador and Panama account for less than 0.4% and 0.22% of total US exports, respectively.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Economic hit man: An individual who uses economic manipulation and coercion to control governments and economies for personal gain. • Global empire: A system in which corporate, government, and banking interests collaborate to exert control over the world’s resources and governments. • International Monetary Fund (IMF): An international organization that provides loans to countries experiencing financial difficulties. • World Bank: An international organization that provides loans for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Key Figures and Groups:

• Jaime Roldós Aguilera of Ecuador: A leader who opposed the global empire and was allegedly assassinated in 1981.
• Omar Torrijos of Panama: A leader who also opposed the global empire and was allegedly assassinated in 1981.
• Corporate America: The collective interests of corporations operating within the United States, often accused of exploiting foreign resources for profit.

Mechanisms and Processes:

The process of creating a global empire involves several key steps:

• Foreign powers extend loans to developing countries through the IMF and World Bank.
• Conditions are attached to these loans, requiring recipient governments to cede control over their economies and resources.
• Governments that refuse to comply with these conditions risk losing access to credit and facing economic sanctions.
• In extreme cases, foreign powers may resort to assassination or regime change to maintain their interests.

Deep Background:

The concept of a global empire has its roots in the Scramble for Africa, where European powers competed to colonize and exploit African resources. This pattern repeated itself throughout history, with Western powers exerting control over developing countries through economic manipulation and coercion.

In the 20th century, the United States emerged as a dominant world power, establishing a network of military bases and economic interests around the globe. The IMF and World Bank played key roles in facilitating this expansion by providing loans to developing countries and promoting structural adjustment policies that favored foreign investors.

Explanation and Importance:

The alleged assassinations of Roldós Aguilera and Torrijos highlight the darker side of global economics, where powerful interests may resort to violence to maintain their control. This phenomenon has significant implications for democracy and human rights, as governments are forced to cede power to corporate and banking interests.

Comparative Insight:

A similar pattern can be observed in other regions, such as Southeast Asia, where the United States supported authoritarian regimes during the Cold War era. In these cases, foreign powers used economic manipulation and coercion to maintain control over local governments and resources.

Extended Analysis:

1. The Role of Economic Hit Men
   • The concept of economic hit men raises important questions about accountability and transparency in global economics.
2. Global Empire and Neocolonialism
   • The global empire represents a new form of colonialism, where foreign powers exert control over developing countries through economic manipulation and coercion.
3. Economic Consequences
   • The consequences of these actions can be far-reaching, leading to widespread poverty, inequality, and human rights abuses.

Open Thinking Questions:

• What are the implications of a global empire for democracy and human rights? • How can developing countries resist foreign economic manipulation and coercion? • What role do international organizations like the IMF and World Bank play in perpetuating these dynamics?

Conclusion: The concept of an economic hit man and the alleged assassinations of Roldós Aguilera and Torrijos represent a critical examination of global economics and politics. By understanding these complex relationships, we can better appreciate the interconnected nature of our world and work towards creating a more just and equitable future.