Americans have always been idealists. They want their country to act for pure motives
In Stephen Kinzer's book "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," he explores the historical context of American intervention in foreign nations. He underscores the paradox of American idealism, where citizens often believe their government should act solely out of noble intentions, yet the reality of political actions often contradicts these ideals. This dichotomy highlights a consistent theme in American history: the tension between the desire for moral authority and the pragmatic realities of power.
Kinzer's analysis suggests that Americans frequently justify their government's decisions based on the assumption that actions are driven by altruistic motives. However, the repeated instances of regime change carried out by the U.S. reveal a complex interplay of interests and outcomes that challenge this simplistic view. Through examining various case studies, Kinzer critiques the notion that America’s interventions are purely idealistic, urging readers to recognize the often self-serving nature of these actions throughout the past century.
