A coup d'état, or simply a coup, denotes the sudden, illegal seizure of governmental power, typically by a military faction or political elite. This dramatic...
A coup d'état is the sudden, unlawful seizure of governmental power by a group, often the military, overthrowing the existing leadership.
Causes often include political instability, economic hardship, corruption, weak state institutions, and military grievances against the government.
A coup involves a small group, typically within the state apparatus, replacing the government. A revolution is a broader, often popular uprising aimed at fundamental societal and political change.
Consequences often include political instability, human rights abuses, economic disruption, international condemnation, and a potential shift towards authoritarian rule.
Historically, regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Southeast Asia have experienced higher incidences of coups, though they can occur globally.