Confessions of an Economic Hitman

The book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is available for students to read.

The review should address the general themes and topics discussed in the class on both a macro and micro level. On a macro level, the reviews should address the origins of this problem and the lack of appropriate social control. On the micro level, students should address topics of the relationship between structure and ethics. Who are the moral actors and why?

This is a controversial book and, while most of the information in the book is verified, we don’t know if “economic hit men” exist. Because of this fact, we will treat the book as a possible novel. In any case, it shows the interrelationship between international corporations and international harm. It also helps us understand why much of the world hates the United States.

In reviewing the book, the following questions might be appropriate:

1. What is the ethical issue identified and the “crime” committed?
Could you argue that the behaviors involved are not crimes?

2. Who are the perpetrators, victims and other interested parties?

3. How do class, power, privilege and hierarchy play a role in the story?

4. Of what significance are social psychological, organizational, cultural and social
structural factors important in the story? Is there a crucial point of moral decision
making, a “point of no return?”

5. How do the requirements of dramatic presentation distort the actual nature of the
problems explored?

6. What is the resolution of the problem in the story? Is justice done? How would you
rewrite the story to better represent your own views and values?

7. What can be done to prevent, reduce or eliminate the crimes involved? Explain your
reasoning.

In order to earn a good grade on the critique students should be able to analyze and critique the material using relevant class material. There is no set format for this analysis. The critiques will be graded on the basis of style, insight, and the ability to apply lessons learned from class. Good luck and feel free to see me if there are any questions or problems.