Conclusion

Abstract

This chapter outlines the book's findings regarding the effects of regime change around the world over the course of two centuries. It suggests that the poor track record of US regime changes in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya is far from anomalous: regime change increases the likelihood of several different types of conflict. The chapter then argues that in most cases, the United States (and any other would-be intervener) is better off not owning the problem. Regime change may appear to be a quick and easy solution, but over the longer term it turns out to be neither easy nor a solution. The chapter highlights that regime change should be reserved for truly exceptional cases and interveners should recognize that absent a (rare) set of promising preconditions, regime change may make things worse instead of better.