Overthrow

America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq

De: Stephen Kinzer

Narrado por: Michael Prichard

A fast-paced narrative history of the coups, revolutions, and invasions by which the United States has toppled 14 foreign governments, not always to its own benefit.

"Regime change" did not begin with the administration of George W. Bush, but has been an integral part of U.S. foreign policy for more than one hundred years. Starting with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and continuing through the Spanish-American War and the Cold War and 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.

In Overthrow, Stephen 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. 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.

©2006 Stephen Kinzer (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[Kinzer] brings a rich narrative immediacy to all of his stories." (Publishers Weekly)
"Kinzer's narrative abounds with unusual anecdotes, vivid description, and fine detail, demonstrating why he ranks among the best in popular foreign policy storytelling." (The Washington Post's Book World)

Looking at the dark side

Like most countries, the US tends to highlight its successes and downplay its failures, thinking itself an idealistic champion and denying avaricious or base motivations.

This book provides some balance to that PR-driven view by filling in some of the darker chapters of our history, ones rarely taught in our public schools.

As the author states in his introduction, "The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was not an isolated episode. It was the culmination of a 110-year period during which Americans overthrew fourteen governments that displeased them for various ideological, political and economic reasons."

The author isn't talking here about the world wars. He describes actions that were often based on a desire to protect American (sometimes multinational) corporations, though the public rationale was spun as protecting our national security or liberation of those in the country whose government was to be overthrown.

Some of these histories are well known, most are not to anyone who hasn't benefited from some college-level exposure to the history and politcs of the 20th century.

There's plenty here that will help put our actions into better perspective.

What Every President Should Know

This is an excellent, concise look at fourteen cases of American "regime change" overseas, from Hawaii in the 1890s to Iraq in 2003. Most Americans are simply unaware of this dismal history of violent prerogative, much of it at the behest of American companies. (United Fruit actually zaps two countries.) The book provides a good historical background to Bush's wars and makes for a compelling antidote to audiobooks of gauzy patriotism like "Empire of Trust."

While much of the tale is grisly and infuriating, especially in Guatemala and Chile, there are lighter moments. It is well worth it to learn that McKinley saw it as his Christian duty to save the souls of heathens in the Philippines, not even realizing they were already Christian; or to be reminded that the marine assault with which Reagan toppled about a handful of homegrown "socialists" in the tiny island of Grenada to save about 30 American medical students who didn't know they needed to be saved was named "Operation Urgent Fury!"

an excellent read and important history for all

this book was very well written because of the details of the coups. I have read many books that go over this history but not with this kind of detail. this is a must read

Eye Opening and Entertaining History at it's best

Stephen Kinzer's Overthrow is an incredibly well written account of America's control of other nations throughout the 20th century and beyond. This book is a great read! It doesn't drag or get bogged down in tedious details. Rather, Mr. Kinzer uses jaw-dropping quotes, excerpts, and first-hand accounts from eyewitnesses to bring this history to life. Every American would do well to know this history as it is often not covered in schools. (I should know, I teach history for a living!)

A Great read.

Kinzer's books should be must reading for all high school kids so they can understand where the previous leaders of our country went completely wrong. My 14 year old is reading them and going to drive his History teacher crazy.