In his book "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," author Stephen Kinzer explores the consequences of U.S.-backed regime change operations throughout history. He argues that these interventions, often motivated by the desire to promote democracy or secure resources, have frequently resulted in instability and chaos in the affected regions. Instead of bolstering American security, these actions have often made the situation worse, leading to unintended consequences that undermine U.S. interests.

Kinzer emphasizes that the outcomes of such operations generally do not align with their original objectives. Rather than creating favorable political environments, they have frequently spiraled into conflicts or fostered anti-American sentiments. By examining these historical patterns, the author challenges the narrative that regime change is a viable or effective strategy for enhancing national security, advocating for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy that considers the long-term implications of intervention.