In Stephen Kinzer's book "Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq," he discusses significant historical events, including the pivotal moment in Hawaiian history when Pearl Harbor was handed over to the Americans in 1887. This act marked a turning point for Hawaii, deeply impacting its identity and future. A diary entry by the author’s brother reveals the solemnity of the occasion, reflecting on its infamy in Hawaiian heritage.

The transfer of sovereignty encapsulated the broader theme of foreign intervention and displacement of local governance. Kinzer probes the ramifications of such actions, considering how they not only altered the landscape of Hawaii but also set a precedent for American involvement in other regions, creating a legacy of regime change that resonated throughout the 20th century.