coup

A coup, short for coup d'etat, refers to the sudden, illegal seizure of a government, usually by a small group within the state's security forces or political elite. The aim is to replace top leaders or alter government institutions without broad popular participation, contrasting with revolutions that seek to change power through mass mobilization.

Etymology: The term comes from the French coup d'etat, meaning a strike or blow against the state.

Mechanisms and scope: Coups are typically rapid and covert, involving the seizure of key power centers such as the executive office, legislature, judiciary, and media outlets, as well as critical military or security installations. They may be led by a faction within the military, police, intelligence services, or a political clique. A sitting leader who consolidates power by bypassing constitutional checks is sometimes described as conducting an auto-coup or self-coup. Coup attempts may fail, leading to stalemate or civil conflict, or succeed in installing a new government.

Legal status and consequences: Coups are generally illegal and unconstitutional in most jurisdictions. Proponents may justify them as restoring order or protecting national interests, but international responses vary and often include condemnation, non-recognition, or sanctions. Long-term outcomes range from stabilization under a new regime to ongoing instability, human rights concerns, and economic disruption.

Historical examples: Notable coups include Chile in 1973, when the military ousted President Salvador Allende; Turkey in 1960 and 1980; Thailand in 2006 and 2014; and Egypt in 2013 when the military deposed President Mohamed Morsi. The 2021 coup in Myanmar, led by the military against the civilian government, is another widely cited case.

See also: self-coup, coup d'etat, political crisis.