Offshore: Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars | 69 ratings

Price: 11.17

Last update: 01-30-2025


About this item

How do the rich keep getting richer, while dodging the long arm of the law? The ultra-rich seem to live in a different world from the rest of us. That world is called offshore. Hidden from view, the world's ultra-rich can use offshore finance to escape tax obligations, labor and environmental safety regulations, campaign finance rules, and other laws that get in their way.

In Offshore: Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism, sociologist Brooke Harrington reveals how this system works, as well as how it degrades democracy, the economy, and the public goods on which we all depend. Through interviews with dozens of wealth managers in nineteen countries, Harrington uncovered how this global network of offshore financial centers arose from the remnants of colonialism and has created a new, hidden imperial class.

This engrossing deep dive reveals what offshore finance costs all of us, and how it has colonized the world-not on behalf of any one country, but to benefit a largely invisible empire of a few thousand billionaires, who help themselves to the best society has to offer while sticking us with the bill. As politicians struggle to address the deepening economic and political inequality destabilizing the world, Harrington's expose of the offshore system is a vital resource for understanding the most pressing crises of our time.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Momproff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Concise and compelling summary of innovative research into wealth managers and offshore industry
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024
    The lengths the author went to obtain access to wealth managers in this industry are remarkable, her writing style is page-turning, and what she reveals from her research is beyond compelling. She’s describes in concise and plain language how offshore has been built from a foundation laid and maintained by a colonial mindset and how the industry has become one of the most disturbing and damaging realities of the current global economy. Her analysis of the resulting widespread effects and what can be done about them make it a vital book, especially given how deeply the offshore industry impacts all of us who aren’t ultra wealthy.
  • StroopWafels
    4.0 out of 5 stars illuminating, accessible, and compelling
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    An illuminating, accessible, and compelling look into offshore finance and its disastrous effects. I appreciate the way the author makes a complex topic interesting and understandable - a true expert. This is a must-read primer for anyone interested in global politics, corruption, and some practical steps toward ensuring more equity.

    Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read a copy.
  • rich
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, Easy to Follow
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    Brooke does a nice job explaining complex topics in a manner that the average person can follow. She lives in a world most of us would never see. That part of society doesn't live in our world. Highly recommended.
  • Dr. William
    1.0 out of 5 stars Ignorant and Biased
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024
    Do not waste your money on this book. The author is ignorant of economics, trade, and finance and needs to understand how different jurisdictions craft specialties in law—such as the Netherlands for Intellectual property, Bermuda for Insurance, and thousands of Free Trade and Enterprise Zones around the world. The systems of advantages in law are not a secret—they are published. I should have known by the title. The author is clearly intelligent but ignorant of how international laws and jurisdictional advantages work.
  • Dr Tony Berg
    5.0 out of 5 stars History repeats
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Understand how we are living in an era where the rich rule the world, and that goes back at least to Roman times.
    And further understand from history that these oligarch driven structures inevitably self destruct, taking the foot soldiers with them.
    Brooke's review is depressing and illuminating. Miss it at your peril!
  • Bill
    5.0 out of 5 stars The impact of offshore funds impact on the society laid out c!early
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
    We have heard the imbalance in what the average tax payer pays versus what the 1% pays.Now we have a clear description of one of the ways that happens. This book also lays out how to avoid the impact of sanctions. What is more it presents some methods to right these wrongs.
  • Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth reading
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
    This book has so little detail that it can be summarized in one sentence. Offshore finance secrecy at tax avoidance is huge and all the governments are involved in protecting it.
  • Kerem Coban
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    I highly recommend "Offshore" to anyone interested in understanding the hidden forces that shape our global economy. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that illuminates a critical issue and inspires readers to advocate for a more just and equitable world.
    The book has sparked essential conversations about global inequality and the urgent need for financial reform. It not only exposes the problem but also advocates for greater transparency and accountability in the global financial system, encouraging readers to become part of the solution.

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