Coup d'état

Definition

A coup d'état is the sudden overthrow of a government, typically executed by a small group that uses force or coercion to seize power. This act often involves military intervention and can result in the establishment of a new ruling authority, often disregarding the existing constitutional framework. Coups are often seen in contexts where political instability, social unrest, or power struggles create an environment ripe for such drastic actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coup d'états are often characterized by their rapid execution and the element of surprise, frequently occurring during times of political turmoil or crisis.
2. In Latin America, numerous coups occurred throughout the 20th century, particularly during the Cold War era when U.S. intervention influenced regional politics.
3. Coups can lead to military regimes that may promise stability but often result in authoritarian rule, repression, and human rights abuses.
4. The consequences of a coup d'état can be long-lasting, affecting national policies, civil liberties, and international relations for years after the event.
5. Public support or opposition can significantly impact the success or failure of a coup; popular backing may legitimize the new regime, while dissent can lead to conflict.

Review Questions

• How does a coup d'état differ from other forms of political change, such as revolutions?
  • A coup d'état typically involves a small group seizing power swiftly and often violently without widespread public participation, whereas revolutions usually involve mass mobilization and aim for broader societal change. Coups tend to replace leaders without fundamentally altering the political system, while revolutions seek to transform governmental structures and ideologies. This distinction is crucial in understanding the impact of each on societal dynamics.
• What role did external factors play in facilitating coups d'état in Latin America during the 20th century?
  • External factors significantly influenced coups d'état in Latin America during the 20th century, particularly through U.S. involvement under Cold War policies aimed at containing communism. The United States often supported military regimes or covertly assisted in organizing coups against democratically elected governments deemed threatening to U.S. interests. This foreign intervention shaped political landscapes and contributed to cycles of instability and authoritarian rule across the region.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of coup d'états on democratic institutions in Latin America, considering both immediate outcomes and subsequent political developments.
  • Coup d'états have had profound long-term effects on democratic institutions in Latin America, often leading to periods of military dictatorship that undermined democratic norms. The immediate aftermath typically involves repression of dissent and curtailment of civil liberties, resulting in weakened institutions. Over time, even after the restoration of democracy, these events can leave lasting legacies such as public distrust in government, fragile political parties, and cycles of instability that hinder democratic consolidation. Analyzing these effects reveals complex interactions between past coups and contemporary challenges in governance.

Related terms

Military Junta: A military junta is a government led by a committee of military leaders, often formed after a coup d'état, which assumes control over the state and its governance.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the public, often following a coup d'état.

Revolution: A significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures that typically involves mass mobilization and the overthrow of an established government.