In "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," Stephen Kinzer explores the history and implications of U.S. interventions in foreign nations. The book discusses how these interventions have often been justified under the guise of promoting democracy, yet they frequently resulted in unintended consequences and suffering for local populations. Kinzer examines several case studies, illustrating a pattern of behavior that reveals America's complex relationship with regime change.

The metaphor of pulling weeds at their roots emphasizes the need for systemic solutions rather than superficial fixes. Kinzer suggests that genuine stability and growth can only be achieved by addressing the underlying issues that lead to conflict. This perspective invites readers to consider the long-term impacts of U.S. foreign policy and the importance of understanding local contexts before imposing outside solutions.