In his book "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," author Stephen Kinzer discusses America's historical use of regional allies, such as Iran, Zaire, and Indonesia, to extend its influence globally. This often involved supporting authoritarian regimes that engaged in severe human rights abuses and corruption, enabling these leaders to maintain power while oppressing their citizens.

Kinzer highlights the strategic decisions made by the U.S. government to prioritize geopolitical interests over democratic values. By aligning with oppressive dictators, America sought to project its power across various regions, but this approach often led to dire consequences for local populations, as the dictators exploited their authority without accountability.