What is a Coup?
A coup, also known as a coup d’état, is a sudden, illegal, and often violent seizure of power from a government. It involves the overthrow of the existing regime by a small group of individuals, usually within the military or political elites.
Types of Coups
There are different types of coups, including:
- Traditional coup: A military-led coup where the armed forces seize power.
- Self-coup: When a leader, often the sitting president, consolidates power through unconstitutional means.
- Constitutional coup: A coup that claims legitimacy through legal means, such as the manipulation of laws or institutions.
Examples of Coups
Historically, coups have been a common method of political change. Some notable examples include:
- The 1953 Iranian coup d’état, backed by the CIA, which overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.
- The 1973 Chilean coup, which led to the overthrow of President Salvador Allende.
- The 2014 coup in Thailand, where the military seized power from the government.
Case Studies
One of the most recent coups occurred in Myanmar in 2021, where the military staged a coup against the democratically elected government, leading to widespread protests and violence.
Statistics on Coups
According to data from the Center for Systemic Peace, there were 38 coup attempts worldwide in 2020, with successful coups occurring in countries like Mali and Sudan.
