Coup d'état

A coup d'état (pronounced /ku de 'ta/), or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government, usually done by a small group that just replaces the top power figures. It is different from a revolution, which is staged by a larger group and radically changes the political system. The term is French for "(a sudden) blow (or stroke) to a state". The term coup can also be used in a casual sense to mean a gain in advantage of one nation or entity over another; e.g. an intelligence coup. By analogy, the term is also applied to corporations, etc; e.g. a boardroom coup.

Recent forms of coup

In recent years, the traditional military coup has declined massively in use. A new, more contemporary form of military intervention which some regard as a coup d'état is simple threat of military force to remove a particularly unpopular leader. This has occurred twice in the Philippines. In contrast to previous coups d'état, the military does not directly assume power, but rather serves as an arbiter for civilian leaders.

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In recent years mass street protests have also often been able to force unpopular and corrupt leaders from office in a coup-like fashion. In situations of this sort, such as in Serbia (2000), Argentina (2001), Bolivia (2003), Ukraine (2004–2005) and Lebanon and Ecuador (2005), popular uprisings simply forced the sitting president to resign his office, causing someone new to assume the presidency. This often results in a period of stability and calm, in which an unknown and uncontroversial vice president can rule the nation until new elections can be held.

Related Topics:
Protest - Serbia - 2000 - Argentina - 2001 - Bolivia - 2003 - Ukraine - 2004 - 2005 - Lebanon - Ecuador

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In 2002 the United States allegedly supported a coup in Venezuela against President Hugo Chavez, despite Chavez having been elected by popular vote in two consecutive elections, although its legitimacy in terms of internationally accepted election standards was questionable. The coup failed, mainly due to sizable public protests in support of Chavez which dwarfed rallies launched by his opponents. Chavez was returned to office two days after the coup, the provisional military junta was dissolved, and the democratic government survived a referendum on new elections by a large margin. In cases such as these, popular protests have been able to prevent coups and place popular leaders back in office.

Related Topics:
Venezuela - Hugo Chavez - Junta - Referendum

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