The paradox of the US freeing (TBC) Venezuela by force reminds me of Napoleon's early military conquests.

He replaced the leadership of many Italian city states, took a large fee from them, but also implemented more representative leaders and more progressive laws. It was a catalyst for Western democracy which we celebrate even if we condemn Napoleon by modern standards for much of his approach.

He was hated by the elites of other nations, even while they were also obsessed with him. Ultimately, European monarchs and the British conspired to defeat him, but we still enjoy his legacy today.