🗳️ap comparative government review

Military Coup d'état

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A military coup d'état is the sudden overthrow of a government by members of the armed forces. It usually involves the use of force or threat of force to seize power from existing political leaders.

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