There's a book called "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man."  It's a true story about oil companies and other large conglomerates setting up shop in 3rd world countries.  Those companies structure deals that wildly increase their profits but deplete the local economies, which are left lacking the funds to provide basic services for the citizens.  I remember awhile back someone said to me "the oil companies see Alaska as a 3rd world country."  Interesting, considering what's happening here now.