Coup d'état: Definition, Causes, and Examples

Coup d'état (French: "blow of state") is a sudden, illegal seizure of government power. Most often a military takeover of a civilian government, but can also overthrow a military dictatorship or replace one civilian government with another.

Characteristics

• Carried out by a small elite group (military officers, officials, wealthy individuals).
• May use force or threat of force; some are bloodless (resignation without fighting).

Global Occurrence

Common in Africa, Asia, Latin America; also occurred in developed nations (e.g., US, France).

Causes

• Political instability
• Economic inequality
• Social unrest
• Foreign intervention

Consequences

• Violence, instability, economic disruption.
• May create future conflicts.
• Occasionally lead to positive change (more democratic government), but always risky.