A coup d'état, often abbreviated to coup, is the overthrow of a lawful government through illegal means. If force or violence are not involved, such an event is sometimes called a soft or …

Dec 2, 2025 · coup d’état, the sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. The chief prerequisite for a coup is control of all or part of the armed forces, the police, …

The meaning of COUP is a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics and especially the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group : coup d'état. How to use …

1 day ago · In 2025, military takeovers, governance breakdowns and escalating conflicts across Africa, the Caribbean and Asia defined a turbulent year even as ceasefires and diplomacy …

Dec 15, 2025 · Since 2020, there have been 11 successful coups across Africa, and five thwarted attempts.

May 23, 2024 · What is a Coup? A coup, or coup d’etat, derives from the French verb couper, which means to strike. Etat means "the state." It can be translated to a strike to the state, or a …

Jun 28, 2025 · Coups rely on force, secrecy, and institutional control, not public uprising. Forms include military coups, civilian coups, palace coups, and self-coups. They signal deep political …

3 days ago · Post-election violence in Tanzania and more coups were part of a turbulent 12 months on the continent.

Despite the changes in organisation names, the nature of recruitment and the sociopolitical environment have nevertheless sustained identifiable coalitions and networks across elections …

Mar 14, 2016 · Starting with Napoleon, meet five leaders who initiated coups d’état to rise to the top. 1. Immediately upon returning from his famed Egyptian military campaign in October …