Predator Nation by Charles Ferguson Summary

Predator Nation exposes systemic corruption in America’s financial and political systems, tracing how corporate elites and complicit governments caused the 2008 crisis. Charles Ferguson, Oscar-winning filmmaker of Inside Job, details deregulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, and unpunished Wall Street fraud across administrations from Reagan to Obama. The book argues that these actions created severe inequality, transforming the U.S. into one of the world’s most unfair societies.

This book is essential for readers interested in economic policy, political corruption, and financial reform. Policymakers, students of political science, and citizens concerned about income inequality will find its analysis of Wall Street’s unchecked power and government complicity particularly insightful. It’s also valuable for fans of Ferguson’s documentary work seeking a deeper dive into systemic economic issues.

Yes. praised as “a factually unchallengeable account” (Salon), the book combines rigorous research with Ferguson’s sharp critique of financial criminality. Its Oscar-winning pedigree (Inside Job) and use of court filings provide credibility, while its call for accountability makes it a compelling read for understanding modern economic crises.

Ferguson blames the crisis on decades of deregulation (notably under Clinton), Wall Street fraud, and skewed tax policies (under Bush). He highlights how financial elites exploited lax oversight, engaged in predatory lending, and faced no consequences post-crash. The Obama administration’s failure to prosecute key figures further exacerbated systemic rot.

Ferguson argues both Democratic and Republican administrations enabled corruption by dismantling regulations (Clinton), cutting taxes for the rich (Bush), and ignoring post-crisis accountability (Obama). Politicians became “captives of the moneyed elite,” allowing financial crimes to thrive and widening economic inequality.

• “The financial sector has become increasingly criminalized”: Ferguson underscores widespread fraud in housing markets.
• “The U.S. is now one of the world’s most unequal societies”: He compares mobility in Cleveland unfavorably to Munich or Singapore.

Some critics argue Ferguson prioritizes systemic analysis over individual narratives, which may overwhelm casual readers. Others note his focus on elite culpability overlooks grassroots economic struggles. Despite this, the book’s factual depth and urgent tone are widely praised.

While Inside Job chronicles the 2008 crisis through interviews, Predator Nation expands the scope, examining historical policy shifts and proposing solutions. The book offers more granular detail on political collusion, tax policies, and long-term societal impacts.

Ferguson advocates for stricter financial regulation, prosecuting white-collar crimes, and reversing tax cuts for the wealthy. He urges grassroots activism to reclaim democratic institutions from corporate influence, though specifics are less detailed than his critiques.

Yes. Ferguson documents how tax cuts, deregulation, and declining manufacturing jobs exacerbated inequality. He contrasts U.S. mobility with European nations, arguing America’s shift from opportunity to oligarchy harms middle- and working-class citizens.

The book traces America’s economic transformation since the 1980s, highlighting Reagan-era deregulation, Clinton’s repeal of Glass-Steagall, and Bush’s tax policies. Ferguson ties these to rising financial dominance and declining public accountability.

Ferguson’s PhD in political science (MIT), tech entrepreneurship (founder of Vermeer Technologies), and documentary expertise (Inside Job) inform his analytical rigor. His multidisciplinary approach bridges finance, policy, and social justice, lending authority to his arguments.