countercoups

Countercoups are organized efforts to reverse a coup d'état and restore the prior constitutional or civilian government. They occur when actors loyal to the deposed regime, existing state institutions, or external supporters attempt to reclaim power from the coup organizers. Countercoups typically seek to quickly seize control of strategic assets such as government centers, media outlets, and security forces, while mobilizing political legitimacy and public or international support to delegitimize the coup and reestablish normal governance.

The success of a countercoup depends on factors such as the unity and competence of loyal forces, the level of public backing, and the perceived legitimacy of the institutions involved. Civil society organizations, nonmilitary protests, and parliamentary or constitutional mechanisms can play critical roles, as can international reactions that pressure the coup leaders or recognize the restored government. Conversely, countercoups can also fail, leading to prolonged instability, purges, or a cycle of violence and repression.

Notable examples in modern history include the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt, where anti-coup actors including Boris Yeltsin mobilized popular and military resistance to overturn the plot, contributing to the collapse of the GKChP and a rapid shift in power. Another frequently cited case is the 2016 attempted coup in Turkey, where loyalist forces and broad civilian support enabled the government to regain control and proceed with political consolidations. Countercoups are studied for their implications on democratic resilience, constitutionalism, and the balance between security and civil rights.