What is Military Coup?
Historical Background
Key Points
7 points- 1.
Illegal Seizure of Power: Coups are inherently extra-constitutional and illegal, often involving the suspension of the existing constitution and legal framework.
- 2.
Military Involvement: The armed forces or a faction within them are the primary actors, using their control over coercive instruments of the state.
- 3.
Speed and Surprise: Coups are typically swift and decisive, aiming to neutralize the existing leadership before they can react.
- 4.
Suspension of Democratic Institutions: Parliaments are dissolved, elections are cancelled or manipulated, and political parties are often banned.
- 5.
Justification: Coup leaders often justify their actions by claiming to restore order, fight corruption, or protect national interests, often portraying the ousted government as corrupt or incompetent.
- 6.
Types of Coups: Can be 'veto coups' (military intervenes to block policies), 'breakthrough coups' (military takes power to implement radical change), or 'guardian coups' (military takes power to protect the state from perceived threats).
- 7.
Consequences: Often lead to authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, political instability, and international condemnation and sanctions.
Visual Insights
Recent Surge in Military Coups Globally (2020-2025)
This timeline highlights the concerning trend of military coups and unconstitutional changes of government observed globally, particularly in West Africa, since 2020, with the Myanmar coup being a prominent example.
While military coups saw a decline post-Cold War, there has been a notable resurgence since 2020, particularly in regions like West Africa and Southeast Asia. This trend challenges democratic norms and highlights the fragility of civilian institutions in many developing nations. The international community's response, including sanctions and condemnation, has had mixed success.
- Aug 2020Mali: Military overthrows President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.
- Feb 2021Myanmar: Tatmadaw seizes power from elected NLD government.
- Sep 2021Guinea: Special Forces depose President Alpha Condé.
- Jan 2022Burkina Faso: Military ousts President Roch Kaboré.
- Jul 2023Niger: Presidential Guard detains President Mohamed Bazoum, declares coup.
- Aug 2023Gabon: Military officers seize power after disputed elections.
- Late 2025Myanmar: Tatmadaw conducts controversial elections to legitimize its post-coup rule.
Military Coup: Causes, Consequences & Response
This mind map breaks down the concept of a military coup, exploring its underlying causes, immediate and long-term consequences, and the typical international responses, with Myanmar as a key case study.
Military Coup (Coup d'état)
- ●Causes
- ●Consequences
- ●International Response
- ●Case Study: Myanmar (2021-2025)
Recent Developments
4 developmentsThe Myanmar coup in February 2021 is a prominent recent example, overthrowing the democratically elected government.
A series of coups in Africa, including in Sudan (2021), Niger (2023), and Gabon (2023), have raised global concerns about democratic backsliding.
International bodies like the UN and African Union have imposed sanctions and called for a return to civilian rule in affected countries.
Debates on the underlying causes of coups, including weak institutions, corruption, and external influences.