Coup

A coup (short for coup d'état, French for "blow of state") is a sudden, often illegal seizure of a government and its power. Typically, it is executed by the military or a political faction within a nation, often involving violence or the threat of violence. A successful coup results in the overthrow of an existing government and its replacement with a new regime. Coups are usually driven by political instability, economic hardship, ideological conflicts, or personal ambition. They fundamentally alter a nation's political landscape and can have significant and lasting consequences for its citizens and international relations.

Coup meaning with examples

• The military staged a coup, arresting the President and declaring martial law. This swift action sent shockwaves across the globe, raising concerns about human rights and democratic governance. The international community quickly condemned the coup, calling for the restoration of civilian rule. Citizens feared reprisals and an uncertain future, facing daily curfews and monitoring from the military.
• Following years of political turmoil and economic collapse, a group of powerful generals planned and executed a coup. The parliament was dissolved, and the constitution suspended. The leaders claimed they were saving the nation from chaos and corruption, but critics argued that the coup was a power grab with ulterior motives. The country was soon met with protests and crackdowns.
• In a surprising turn of events, a faction within the ruling party orchestrated a bloodless coup, ousting the Prime Minister. This move was driven by internal conflicts over policy direction. The transition was relatively smooth, as the new leadership promised stability and reform. However, many questioned the legitimacy of the coup, questioning the motives behind the swift power transfer.
• The dictator's reign came to an end when a coordinated coup orchestrated by disgruntled military officers overthrew his government. This marked the end of decades of oppressive rule and opened the door for a potential transition to democracy. While the coup was initially welcomed by many, the transition to a new governing structure proved to be complex and fraught with challenges, highlighting the challenges of moving from authoritarian rule to civilian governance.