American Adventurism Abroad: Invasions, Interventions, and Regime Changes Since World War II

Since the end of World War II, the United States has embarked on a succession of military and economic interventions, invasions and regime changes across the globe. Whether in the name of containing communism during the Cold War or fighting global terrorism post-9/11, the United States has a long history of rationalizing its interventions into developing countries. Yet as Michael Sullivan shows, a sober look at the facts reveals this adventurism abroad to have had a primary rationale – that of establishing itself as the world’s only superpower and the pre-eminent force of the global capitalist system irrespective of the tremendous political and social cost to the countries involved. From the “mere” loss of democracy to civil war and the consolidation of authoritarianism, 500 years of local politics have been interrupted as result of America’s actions. Moreover, the US military’s might and superior technology has led to a disproportionate destruction of life – with more than seven million war-related deaths at the sites of US interventions.

In this revised paperback edition, American Adventurism Abroad traces US foreign policy from the late 1940s through the past six years of America’s 'war on terror.' Comprising 34 case studies of overseas US militaristic meddling throughout this period, drawn from eleven presidencies and five geographic regions, and complete with extensive bibliographies, this volume offers a detailed and compelling picture of American foreign policy and its position in the world today.