Agency Quote by Edward S. Herman
“There is ...a huge tacit conspiracy between the U.S. government, its agencies and its multinational corporations, on the one hand, and local business and military cliques in the Third World, on the other, to assume complete control of these countries and "develop" them on a joint venture basis. The military leaders of the Third World were carefully nurtured by the U.S. security establishment to serve as the "enforcers" of this joint venture partnership, and they have been duly supplied with machine guns and the latest data on methods of interrogation of subversives.”
About This Quote
The quote alleges a covert alliance between U.S. power structures and multinational corporations to dominate and "develop" Third World nations, using local elites as enforcers.
In simple terms: Claims hidden US‑corporate collusion to control developing countries.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess power dynamics in global development.
Themes
politics
imperialism
corporate influence
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
political commentary
critical analysis
When to use this quote
- foreign aid programs
- NGO partnerships
- investment decisions
- human rights advocacy
- academic research
Key Concepts
neocolonialism
military‑industrial complex
development policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports or refutes these claims?
- How can ethical development be pursued?
A Different Perspective
Complex geopolitical realities may not fit a single conspiratorial narrative.
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