Making a Killing: How and Why Corporations Use Armed Force to Do Business

Book Description

A dramatic and compelling journey into the dark heart of globalization.

Customer Reviews:

An intriguing, eye-opening discussion.......2005-02-07

What happens when multinational corporations decide that the use of armed force is really business? When companies line up with warlords and armies to make a profit? When corporate interests dictate war or peace? Madelaine Drohan's meticulously researched and impressively wrfitten expose, Making A Killing, shows just what happens in a world of multinational power, drawing important connections between corporate armed forces and history and providing food for thought for corporations, policy makers and national leaders alike -- the result is an intriguing, eye-opening discussion.

A pantheon of predators.......2004-01-20

Resource control is the core of Madelaine Drohan's book. Where the image of empire was once faceless armies, religious zealots or expanding trade, modern conditions have changed this view. Instead of governments launching empires, suit-clad businessmen now decide where the action lies. Decisions to exploit resource areas are not made in ministry offices, but in corporate boardrooms. Businessmen, "and they are almost always men", choose locations, make investments, recruit workers and begin operations. Until there is unrest. Then they call in governments to support their enterprise. If governments cannot or will not respond, the entrepreneur's answer is the "private army". Mercenary professional military men act as "security" teams, policemen or replacement armies. And they are accountable to no-one but the firm that has hired them.

Drohan's account begins with the rule of Cecil Rhodes "who stands head and shoulders above" the ranks of those applying military solutions to "corporate problems". Rhodes built an immense resource empire in Southern Africa. He also set the standard for controlling workers as firmly as he did markets. By the expedient of raising a battalion of "pioneers" to deal with reluctant African peoples and recalcitrant workers, Rhodes expanded his holdings to an unprecedented degree. Attributing his goals to the furtherance of the British Empire, he also ensured the continuation of profits to his own pocket. Belgium's king Leopold followed Rhodes' example by keeping the Congo as a personal fief. The Belgian government was simply shunted aside on imperial affairs for decades. The rape of the Congo is a glaring example of imperialism run rampant, yet it set the stage for what followed.

Drohan's narrative is dominated by personalities. Like a gaggle of rapacious ravens, men prominent in resource enterprise descended on Africa after Rhodes. Some of these were British, some Canadian, but others arose from among Africa's own peoples. These last were flexing political and economic muscle as former colonies became independent. These new nations, with their artificial boundaries laid down irrespective of tribal or ethnic limits, became caught up in internal regional disputes. Resource firms played off these rivalries to their advantage where possible. If contests for power became too heated, the companies had the option to withdraw or find ways of protecting their investments. Protection was provided by "security forces" available for hire. Among the most notorious of these was the South African firm, Executive Outcomes. Staffed by disaffected South African soldiers, it offered services directly or through hidden subsidiaries. Executive Outcomes emerges frequently, if often vaguely, as Drohan valiantly tries to unravel the machinations the firm and its customers perpetrated as gold, diamonds and other resources were sought and exploited. Legality is an elusive term in these activities.

These are not distant and unrelated events. We tend to cling to the image of investment benefiting all - the theme of "globalisation". Drohan demonstrates how firms, pursuing resource wealth in Africa, have followed the Rhodes formula for success. Whether hiring private armies or simply requesting local government forces to act in their interests, resource firms are steadfastly ignoring the impact on local people and their economy. Of all Drohan's examples, the most glaring is the Talisman Energy story. Her chapter on this operation is at once the worst and the best example in the book. Talisman, a latecomer to Africa, seems to have learned nothing from previous resource history in the region. As Drohan describes it, Jim Buckee, Talisman's head, followed a sinuous path trying to keep his firm active in the resource field. With one eye open to profits and the other closed to government activities done in the name of "security" for his operations, Buckee brought his firm close to disaster. On the other hand, the case demonstrated the power of the public in bringing such firms to judgment. Various large stockholders, chastened at the thought of supporting a firm blind to the impact of its operations, withdrew investment. It's a fine example of what individuals can achieve in acting collectively.

Drohan's book is a much needed exposure of business morals left unscrutinised. In her final chapter, "Perfectly Legal, Perfectly Immoral", she shows the path to justice for people under oppressive regimes shored up by rapacious businesses is long and difficult. Yet, if readers pay attention, she shows how they can be effective in making change. With a federal election looming, it would benefit electors to read this book and reflect on its message. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A book about corporate and state power without responsiblity.......2003-12-29

This is an excellent book about how specific corporations, individuals and both European and African rulers have plundered Africa for profit and the accumulation of private fortunes on the backs of millions of Africans who have been slaughtered over the centuries. Some of the individuals have passed into the history books, but some of the corporations and individuals are still very much in the news today and the world still waits for their atonement. Madelaine Drohan has provided a very courageous addition to the literature in the area by in-the-field research in some of the most dangerous places in Africa and written in most detailed and compelling manner.

Solid research and first-hand observations.......2003-12-06

Drohan cover a number of specifc cases of corporations using violence to further their interests - dedicating a chapter to each case. She makes no effort to be a comprehensive compendium of all the ills perpetrated by corporations, instead choosing to focus on a few prime examples in detail where her experiences as a journalist can bring some perspective to each case.

My own particular interest is around the role of Calgary-based Talisman Energy Inc. in Sudan. The chapter on Talisman was solid and insightful, with Drohan drawing from her own experiences in Sudan and interviews with key players, as well as the volumes of research and reports available.

The book is a telling study of the irresponsible extremes corporations can go to in their simple-minded focus on profit as the only goal.

Book Description

This introduction for practitioners offers a balanced view of project financing, integrating legal, contractual, scheduling, and other areas that participate in large multiparty projects, large single-asset purchases, and broad-based financing programs for fleets of assets. It mixes theories and case studies but avoids becoming too oriented toward applications in any one particular industry. It focuses on the concepts and techniques required by project finance people without being overly academic or beset by case studies. The author, who has a legal background, recognizes that some legal information is necessary, but he doesn't attempt to write a law book.

Project Finance refers to the techniques of financing projects which are dependent on cash flows for repayment, as defined by the contractual relationships within each project. By their very nature, these types of projects rely on a large number of integrated contractual arrangements for successful completion and operation. Project finance is an element within the larger field of project management. Many organizations around the world utilize project management to enable innovative processes, to plan, organize, and control strategic initiatives, to monitor enterprise performance, to analyze significant deviations, and to forecast their impact on the organization and project(s). Project management can be found in many industries today, from construction and information systems to healthcare, financial services, education, and training.

Key Features:
-A comprehensive and authoritative guide to the theory and practice of project finance.
-An international scope, covering projects in both the developed and developing worlds.
-The book describes and explains:
-Sources of project finance.
-Typical commercial contracts (such as those for construction of the project and sale of its product or services) and their impact on the project finance structure.
-Project finance risk assessment from the points of view of lenders, investors, and other project parties.
-Structuring the project finance debt.
-The key issues in negotiating a project finance debt facility.
-Extensive glossary and cross-referencing.
-No prior knowledge of project finance or financing techniques is assumed.

Customer Reviews:

A lot of questions answered.......2007-01-05

Very comprehensive and very clear; after reading this book you know what project finance involves at a good level.

The Best .......2006-03-17

The Best book for fundamental theory of project finance, integrated and described overall, a guidance to plan a project finance.

Great Book.......2005-03-31

This book is a great reference .....the tables, the schematic drawings...great tool for finance professionals.

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Manufacturing Strategy

Manufacturing Strategy: Text and Cases
Terry J Hill
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/Irwin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0256230722

Book Description

The short text includes approximately 30 real cases on manufacturing businesses. The text presents Terry Hill's well-known Order Winner Criteria. This is his strategy for manufacturing.

Customer Reviews:

Manufacturing Strategy.......2003-09-16

This is an excellence book, it give the reader a very good understanding of how to obtain competitive advantage through the manufacturing function.And how the marketing and the manufacturing functions should work together

Principles of Auditing: An Introduction to International Standards on Auditing (2nd Edition)

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CSULA student taking his auditing class

Principles of Auditing: An Introduction to International Standards on Auditing (2nd Edition)
Rick Hayes , Roger Dassen , Arnold Schilder , and Philip Wallage
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0273684108

Book Description

This book describes the development and practical use of all ISAs, as well as significant national standards in different countries. In addition to dealing with these new standards, the authors explain important new developments from a regulatory point of view. Emerging conceptual developments such as strategic auditing and business risk are covered, as well as cutting-edge audit techniques.

The first text fully based upon International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), this revised and updated new edition presents a structured approach to auditing principles using ISAs as its basis. More and more, ISAs are regarded as the global benchmark for auditing standards. This book describes the development and practical use of all ISAs, as well as significant national standards in different countries.

In addition to dealing with these new standards, the authors explain important new developments from a regulatory point of view. Emerging conceptual developments such as strategic auditing and business risk are covered, as well as cutting-edge audit techniques.

About the Authors: Dr Rick Hayes is Professor of Accounting at California State University at Los Angeles, and is the author of numerous books in accounting. Dr Roger Dassen is a Partner at Deloitte Touche, Amsterdam and Professor of Auditing at the Free University of Amsterdam and the University of Maastrict. He serves as a member on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). Dr Arnold Schilder is an Executive Director of the Netherlands Central Bank and Chairman of the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision's Accounting Task Force, as well as Professor of Auditing at the University of Amsterdam. Dr Philip Wallage is a Partner at KPMG, Amsterdam and Professor of Auditing at the University of Amsterdam.

Customer Reviews:

CSULA student taking his auditing class.......2006-04-23

I am currently taking an auditing class (ACCT 424B) with Dr. Hayes (the main author) as the professor. The nature of this book is international, yet it is completely relevant to American standards, including recent developments such as Sarbannes-Oxley. The exercises are very helpful in making you think about the concepts presented. Examples of CPA exam questions are interspersed throughout the book. Illustrations (including sample documents) are clear and understandable. The accompanying web site also includes multiple choice questions for each chapter. Given that this is not published in the U.S., it is a good value, considering what I've paid for other accounting textbooks. As for Dr. Hayes, he's a good teacher who keeps us up to date.

Accounting Principles for Lawyers (Law Practitioner Series)

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Accounting Principles for Lawyers (Law Practitioner Series)
Peter Holgate
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521607221

Book Description

Many lawyers, especially those dealing with commercial matters, need to understand accounting yet feel on shaky ground in the area. This book is written specifically for them. It breaks down and makes clear basic concepts (such as the difference between profit and cash flow), the accounting profession and the legal and regulatory framework within which accounting operates. The relevant provisions of the Companies Act 1985 are discussed at some length. Holgate explains generally accepted accounting principles in the UK (GAAP), the trend towards global harmonisation and the role of international accounting standards. He then deals with specific areas such as group accounts, acquisitions, tax, leases, pensions, financial instruments, and realised profits, focusing in each case on those aspects that are likely to confront lawyers in their work. This book will appeal to the general practitioner as well as to lawyers working in corporate, commercial, and tax law.

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Accounting: GAAP Principles
Ilse Lubbe , Alex Watson , Tracey Walker , and Eddie Chamisa
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 019578524X

Book Description

This is a comprehensive book for a generic 2nd-year accounting course. It is approachable without sacrificing content. The book uses a concepts-based approach and incorporates worked examples, definitions in the margins, chapter summaries, which are linked to outcomes, and website references.
The various parts of the book cover financial reporting, balance sheets, income statements, owners' equity, group accounts and cash flow statements. The book is in keeping with the changes to GAAP that are currently being implemented in order to bring SA in line with international trends. A question
and solutions bank will be available in October of 2005 and a set of PowerPoint slides and an instructor's manual will be developed in 2006.

Basic Accounting Principles for Lawyers : With Present Value and Expected Value

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Basic Accounting Principles for Lawyers : With Present Value and Expected Value
C. Steven Bradford , and Gary A. Ames
Manufacturer: Anderson Publishing Company (OH)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Business Law | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0870841041

A Comparative Study of Belgian Accounting Principles and International Accounting Standards

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A Comparative Study of Belgian Accounting Principles and International Accounting Standards
Patrice Schumesch , Eddy Dams , and Raynald Vermoesen
Manufacturer: PricewaterhouseCoopers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 293026800X

Environmental Management Accounting Procedures and Principles

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Environmental Management Accounting Procedures and Principles
Division for Sustainable Development United Nations
Manufacturer: United Nations Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 9211045037

Fundamental Accounting Principles-international Edition (F.A.S.T. Edition, Vol.2)

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Fundamental Accounting Principles-international Edition (F.A.S.T. Edition, Vol.2)

Manufacturer: Irwin/McGraw/Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0070307237

Fundamental Accounting Principles-international Edition (Vol.1)

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Fundamental Accounting Principles-international Edition (Vol.1)

Manufacturer: Irwin/McGraw/Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0070307229

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