Introduction
A coup, short for coup d’état, is a sudden and illegal seizure of government power by a small group of individuals, usually the military or a faction within the ruling elite. This article will delve into the meaning of a coup, its types, examples, case studies, and statistics.
Types of Coups
- Military Coup: This type involves the overthrow of a government by the military, often with the support of key military leaders.
- Self-Coup: Also known as autogolpe, this type occurs when a leader seizes power from within the government to consolidate their authority.
- Civilian Coup: In this type, civilians, such as political parties or interest groups, overthrow the government.
Examples of Coups
One of the most infamous coups in history is the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende by General Augusto Pinochet in 1973. Another example is the 2014 coup in Thailand, where the military seized power from the civilian government.
Case Studies
In 2017, Zimbabwe experienced a military coup that led to the resignation of long-time President Robert Mugabe. The military took control of the government and placed Mugabe under house arrest, forcing him to step down.
Statistics on Coups
According to the Coups in the World dataset, there have been 25 successful coups worldwide between 2010 and 2020. The most coup-prone regions are Africa and Asia, with countries like Sudan and Thailand experiencing multiple coups in recent years.
Conclusion
Understanding the meaning of a coup is vital in analyzing political instability and power struggles in different parts of the world. By examining the types, examples, case studies, and statistics of coups, we can gain insight into the dynamics of government overthrow and transition.
