"Regime change" did not begin with the administration of George W. Bush, but has been part of U.S. foreign policy for more than one hundred years. Starting with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and continuing into our own time, the United States has not hesitated to overthrow governments that stood in the way of its political and economic goals. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 is the latest, though perhaps not the last, example of the dangers inherent in these operations. Foreign correspondent Kinzer tells the stories of the audacious politicians, spies, military commanders, and business executives who took it upon themselves to depose monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers in fourteen countries, including Cuba, Iran, South Vietnam, Chile, and Iraq. He also shows that the U.S. government has often pursued these operations without understanding the countries involved; as a result, many of them have had disastrous long-term consequences.--From publisher description.

1: The imperial era -- A hell of a time up at the palace -- Bound for Goo-Goo Land -- From a whorehouse to a White House -- A break in the history of the world -- 2: Covert action -- Despotism and godless terrorism -- Get rid of this stinker -- Not the preferred way to commit suicide -- We're going to smash him -- A graveyard smell -- 3: Invasions -- Our days of weakness are over -- You're no good -- They will have flies walking across their eyeballs -- Thunder run -- Catastrophic success.