This work project focuses on one understudied rhetorical dynamic of the latecapitalist global system – its rhetorical inventions of ritual sacrifice. Rituals not only have the capacity to discipline the human body to perform prescribed social transactions, but can also render violent social transactions to appear irresistible, or even palatable. Through three distinct case studies of public takings, this project seeks to examine the subtle ways in which rhetorics of sacrifice are reappropriated into the governance structures of neoliberalism. These case studies also highlight the role ritual plays in the management and normalization of dehumanizing conditions of the prevailing political-economic order. This chapter introduces the research subject, core objectives and mode of inquiry for this work project. This section also provides a preview of the chapters in this work. There are three preliminary research questions for this study: why study sacrifice? Why focus on neoliberalism? Why use a rhetorical approach? Why “atlas?”