Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq First Edition,

Overthrow examines the coups, revolutions, and invasions through which the United States has toppled fourteen foreign governments over more than one hundred years. Beginning with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and continuing through the Spanish-American War, the Cold War, and into the present day, the U.S. has repeatedly removed governments that conflicted with its political and economic interests. The 2003 invasion of Iraq represents the latest example of such operations. Stephen Kinzer recounts the actions of politicians, spies, military commanders, and business executives who orchestrated these depositions of monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers. The book demonstrates that the U.S. government frequently conducted these operations without adequately understanding the countries involved, resulting in many cases in disastrous long-term consequences. The narrative spans fourteen countries, including Cuba, Iran, South Vietnam, Chile, and Iraq, presenting modern American history from a distinct perspective.