Military coups

Definition

Military coups are sudden and often violent seizures of power by the military, usually against a civilian government. They involve the overthrow of existing political leadership and the establishment of military control.

Related terms

Authoritarianism:

A form of government characterized by strong central authority, limited political freedoms, and little or no accountability to citizens. Military coups can often lead to authoritarian rule.

Democracy:

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Military coups pose a threat to democratic governance.

Regime:

Refers to a particular set of rules, institutions, and practices that govern a country at a given time. Military coups can bring about changes in regimes.