A Coup d’etat is an overt attempt to unseat a government, supported by the threat or use of force. Historically, coups d’etat have served as an overt military statement of no-confidence in a political leader or as a means for military commanders to assert their own control over a nation. They can be bloodless or brutal, and can result in civil wars, military dictatorships, or a return to old power structures.
Coups d’etat are increasingly common in Africa and South America, taking advantage of weak or unstable governments and weakened military structures. They often occur during economic crisis, and can be accompanied by violence and chaos. Coups d’etat can also trigger international responses that range from condemnation and sanctions to tacit support depending on geopolitical interests.
Whether they are bloodless or brutal, military coups have profound impacts on a country’s politics and economy. They are a reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the vulnerability of countries to sudden shifts in political power. Despite the shambolic aftermath, coups d’etat can provide opportunities for democratic transitions. However, citizens must be able to effectively mobilize to shepherd these crises toward optimum resolutions that reduce the country’s susceptibility to future coups. They need to be able to recognize the incremental, unconstitutional steps toward a coup and respond quickly with street protests. This is the challenge facing today’s coup-prone nations. The Cline Center’s new global registry of coups d’etat, the Coup d’Etat Project, is designed to help them.
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