Foreignimposed

Foreign-imposed refers to situations in which an external actor or coalition seeks to replace or reshape the government of another state. The term is commonly applied to regime change undertaken or orchestrated by foreign powers, including direct military action, covert support for opposition movements, economic sanctions, or diplomatic pressure aimed at installing a preferred leadership or political system. The label covers both overt campaigns and more subtle interventions that culminate in a new regime.

In international relations, foreign-imposed regime change raises questions about sovereignty, legitimacy, and the ethics of intervention. Supporters argue that external action can prevent mass atrocities, promote democracy, or uphold international norms. Critics contend that it violates sovereignty, is selectively applied, and can produce legacies of instability, anti-foreign resentment, or ongoing conflict.

Notable examples often cited in debates include the 1953 Iranian coup (Operation Ajax) organized by the United States and the United Kingdom to depose Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh; the 1954 Guatemalan coup supported by the CIA; and the 1973 Chilean coup with U.S. involvement. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the 2011 intervention in Libya are also discussed as cases of external action contributing to regime change, though motives and outcomes are contested. These cases illustrate different modalities—from covert operations to full-scale military action—and highlight debates about legitimacy and consequences of foreign-imposed actions.

Contemporary discussions connect foreign-imposed changes to humanitarian justifications and international norms such as the Responsibility to Protect, while emphasizing the importance of legality, legitimacy, and long-term stability in evaluating such interventions.