A coup, short for coup d'état (meaning "stroke of state"), refers to the sudden, illegal, and forceful overthrow of a government. It typically involves a small group of individuals, often military personnel or other government elites, who seize political power.
What is a Coup d'État?
At its core, a coup d'état is a non-democratic and often violent seizure of power. Unlike a revolution, which usually involves a large-scale popular uprising, a coup is generally orchestrated by a small, influential faction from within the existing state apparatus. The primary aim is to rapidly replace the current leadership with the coup plotters.
Key Characteristics of a Coup
- Illegal and Unconstitutional: Coups operate outside the established legal and constitutional framework of a country. They are a direct violation of the rule of law.
- Forceful Nature: While not always bloody, a coup relies on the threat or actual use of force to achieve its objectives. This often involves controlling key strategic points like government buildings, media outlets, and military installations.
- Targeting the Government: The immediate goal is to depose the sitting government and its leadership, not necessarily to transform the entire political or social system (though long-term consequences can lead to such changes).
- Elite-Driven: Coups are typically executed by a segment of the military, security forces, or powerful political elites rather than a broad popular movement.
Types of Coups
While the classic image of a coup involves tanks in the street, there are nuances in how such power grabs can occur.
| Aspect | Standard Coup d'État | Self-Coup (Autogolpe) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An illegal, forceful overthrow of a government by a military organization or other government elites. | When a leader, having come to power through legal means, stays in power through illegal means. |
| Actors | Typically executed by military generals, high-ranking officers, or political figures outside the incumbent leader's direct control. | Perpetrated by the incumbent head of state or government, often using state institutions they already control. |
| Objective | To seize control of the state apparatus from the existing leadership. | To consolidate, expand, or extend the leader's power beyond legal or constitutional limits, often by dissolving legislatures or suspending constitutions. |
| Example | A military junta seizing power from a democratically elected president. | A president suspending the constitution to remain in office indefinitely or suppress opposition. |
The Mechanics of a Coup
Coups often unfold rapidly and with an element of surprise. Plotters aim to quickly neutralize the existing leadership, secure control of vital communication channels (like state media), and gain the loyalty of key security forces. Success hinges on swift execution and minimal resistance from loyalist forces or the populace. A well-executed coup can change a country's leadership in a matter of hours or days.
Broader Implications
The success of a coup can have profound and lasting impacts on a nation. It often leads to political instability, a decline in democratic institutions, and a potential increase in human rights abuses. Understanding terms like this is crucial for studying political science and international relations.
