Perkins' story revolves around private US companies undermining foreign governments, but Perkins clearly saves his harshest criticism for the US government, calling the CIA agents "the jackals." Is it disconcerting that in this story the US is the villain instead of the hero of the story?
Is this perspective helpful in understanding the reasoning behind terrorism and drug-trafficking?
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I'm not so sure that I have the most insightful answer, particularly in regards to the terrorism/drug trafficking question. But I have to say that the "government seen as villain" did not bother me at all. I'm totally cynical when it comes to politicals. I feel like men are corrupt and led by their natural/carnal instincts. I do not really feel that our government is driven to work for the common good (I know, I know, that sounds awful). Granted, I don't feel our government is totally corrupt. But I do feel that they are driven by power and greed. This book filled in some gaps in my thinking and supported my somewhat negative perception of our government being driven by a desire to "get gain" regardless of the costs.
Well, I was hoping to find a Jack Ryan that would step in and set all the corrupt people straight, but they usually were blown up. The most frustrating part about the government being the bad guy is that the enemy then becomes this giant nebulous enemy, just like "the terrorists". It would be great to have investigations asking who did such and such.
The thing that most helped me understand more of the motives of some terrorism was how he really explained how the US is an "empire". It's something you hear people say a lot (and often the people that say it sound a little crazy), so it was good to hear a rational explanation of what this means and how it works - kind of piecing things together that you already knew.
I don't think everyone in politics is corrupt. Quite honestly if you look at the people he talks about in the book they all belong to a very specific group. They were all formerly employed by the corporatocracy or were advised by such people. It made me want to read an extensive resume of all of the people in the Obama cabinet. I honestly have high hopes for Obama in this regard. I may sound naive, but I know there has to be more people like Jimmy Carter out there and I think that the population of the U.S. is getting increasingly fed-up with big business running politics. Hopefully we have turned over a leaf somewhat.
I don't have a hard time with believing that our government engages in these types of activities. I had a really inspiring professor who, when she talked about power in international politics, always emphasized that we are talking about power in a fallen world. In the end that's true and that's what the interaction between governments in our fallen world is all about-gaining power over everyone else. Not that I think that's right, but I do think it's important to realize that a lot of people who work for the government and get caught up in this kind of stuff may honestly think that they are trying to "serve their country." Unfortunately people do this without thinking about the consequences and our government has oppressed people around the world without thinking about or even understanding the consequences. I think terrorism against the United States makes complete sense for a lot of people in this world who have nothing to lose, often because our government has acted without understanding or caring about the consequences for others.
I don't know if I'm making sense, and I don't want to sound like I'm defending people who are clearly being immoral. Anyway. I also think it's too bad that the IMF, World Bank, and USAID get such a bad rap. They have messed up a lot of places, especially because of the requirements and restrictions they put on loans, but I believe most of these organizations are made up of people who honestly believe they are helping.
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