A Military coup, or Coup d’État, is the overthrow of a state government by means of military force. The overthrow is typically illegal, and it usually occurs because the instruments of state power (police and military) turn against that government. Insurrections often accompany or lead to coups, but they are not a necessary part of the process.
Soldiers will not attempt a coup without confidence that civilian allies back their actions. This civilian element of coup politics enables soldiers to portray their takeovers as legitimate or even revolutionary. It also allows them to retain political influence after stepping aside by ensuring that their civilian supporters secure power.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge of military coups. A VOA analysis by Richard Powell and James Thyne found that the number of successful or attempted coups since 1950 had risen from 109 to 220, with Africa hosting most of them.
The cause of these recent coups is complex, but they can be traced to deep disaffection with the political system. Whether the disaffection stems from flawed elections, changes to term limits, or the failure of elected governments to deliver on democracy’s promises of freedom and security, it has led citizens to demand action.
These disaffections are empowering militaries around the world. They have helped to reverse short-lived democratic episodes in Algeria, Mauritania, and Cambodia, consolidated long-running military dominance in Egypt, Fiji, Thailand, and Zimbabwe, and created a sense of impunity for coup leaders in Nigeria, Guinea, and Gabon.
About the Author
