In "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," author Stephen Kinzer explores the history of U.S. intervention in foreign nations, highlighting how the United States, once a colony itself, has acted as a colonial force. He illustrates how the U.S. engaged in various regime changes throughout the 20th century, often justifying its actions under the guise of democracy and freedom while imposing its own interests abroad.

The book critically examines the consequences of such interventions, arguing that the former colony has transformed into a powerful colonialist, sometimes disregarding the sovereignty of other nations. Kinzer underscores the irony of a nation founded on the principles of liberty and self-determination becoming a purveyor of instability in regions like the Caribbean and the Middle East, showcasing a complex relationship with power and influence on the global stage.