This article provides an extensive analysis of the corrupting influence of the United States on the development and present workings of the intercountry/international adoption system. A context for this corrupting influence is provided through a careful analysis of the theoretical and practical vulnerabilities of the intercountry adoption system. The distinctive approaches of the United States to social work, adoption, human rights, children's rights, constitutional law and humanitarian intervention also provides careful analysis. The article is designed to be practical in providing both a clear guide to those interested in reforming the United States' approach to intercountry adoption and related matters, and also to governments, NGOs and others in other nations who interact with or consider interacting with the United States on these issues. While the article presents a clearly defended point of view, it seeks to also take account of diverse viewpoints, both within and outside of the United States. The article goes beyond this author's prior analyses of the distinctive problem of child laundering/child trafficking in intercountry adoption, to provide a rigorous analysis of both the global effort to construct a viable, safe, reliable and ethical intercountry adoption system, and the roles of the United States in relationship to that effort.