Coup

Definition

A coup, short for coup d'état, is a sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government. This often involves the military or other elite factions overthrowing an existing regime and is typically characterized by its rapid execution and lack of popular support. Coups can lead to significant political change and instability, affecting both domestic and international relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coups are often fueled by discontent among the military or elite groups against the sitting government, stemming from issues like corruption, economic crises, or political repression.
2. Successful coups can lead to the establishment of military governments or authoritarian regimes that may promise stability but often restrict civil liberties.
3. The Cold War era saw numerous coups around the world as superpowers sought to influence regions by supporting or undermining various governments.
4. In some cases, coups are followed by brief periods of political instability, while in others, they may result in long-lasting changes to the political landscape.
5. International reactions to coups can vary widely, ranging from condemnation and sanctions to tacit support, depending on geopolitical interests.

Review Questions

• How do coups differ from revolutions in terms of their execution and public involvement?
  • Coups differ from revolutions mainly in their execution and the level of public involvement. A coup is typically executed swiftly by a small group, often military leaders, without broad public support or participation. In contrast, revolutions usually involve mass movements that seek to fundamentally change the government with widespread public backing. While both can lead to significant political change, the methods and popular engagement in each are markedly different.
• Evaluate the impact of foreign intervention on the outcomes of coups during the Cold War era.
  • Foreign intervention had a significant impact on the outcomes of coups during the Cold War era, as superpowers like the United States and Soviet Union sought to expand their influence globally. For instance, U.S. support for certain military coups aimed at preventing communism from spreading often led to the establishment of authoritarian regimes that aligned with American interests. Conversely, Soviet-backed coups sought to establish communist governments in various regions. These interventions shaped political landscapes and sometimes resulted in prolonged conflicts and instability.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of coups on democratic governance in affected countries.
  • The long-term consequences of coups on democratic governance can be profound and varied. Often, coups lead to military rule or authoritarian regimes that stifle political pluralism and civil liberties. This disruption can hinder democratic development for years or even decades, as institutions weaken and public trust in governance erodes. In some cases, while countries may eventually return to democracy, the legacies of past coups—such as political violence and social division—can persist, complicating efforts for stable governance and rule of law.

Related terms

Revolution:

A revolution is a significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures, typically involving mass movements aimed at altering government systems.

Dictatorship:

A dictatorship is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small group, often established through force or coercive means.

Military Junta: A military junta is a government led by a committee of military leaders who take control following a coup, often suspending the constitution and ruling with an iron fist.