coups

A coup d'état, or coup, is the sudden and illegal seizure of a government, typically by a small group that already controls state institutions such as the military or security services. The aim is to depose the incumbent leadership and replace it with a new authority, usually without following the existing constitutional process. Coups are distinguished from revolutions or elections by their abruptness, narrow leadership, and often illicit means.

Common forms include military coups, palace or cabinet coups, civil-military pacts, and autogolpes, where a leader uses state institutions to consolidate power. Tactics often involve detaining or sidelining key figures, seizing critical offices (defense ministries, judiciary, media), dissolving or suspending parliament, and declaring a state of emergency or forming a provisional government or military junta. Coups may be short-lived or lead to prolonged authoritarian rule.

Causes include military or elite power struggles, perceived weakness of civilian governments, economic crises, corruption, or external pressure. Consequences vary: some lead to brief interruptions in governance, while others trigger long-term repression, civil conflict, or international sanctions and non-recognition. Democratic institutions can be weakened for years, and transitions to civilian rule may be protracted.

Notable historical coups include the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état, the 1973 Chilean coup that brought Pinochet to power, the 1999 Pakistan coup by General Musharraf, the 2013 Egyptian coup that ousted Mohamed Morsi, and the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. Some attempts fail or transition to civilian rule, while others result in prolonged instability or conflict.