Types of Coups
20 Types of Coups: Understanding the Diverse Ways Governments Are Overthrown
When we think of coups, many of us picture military tanks rolling into the capital or dramatic uprisings. But the truth is, coups come in many forms—ranging from overt military takeovers to subtle manipulation of legal systems or public opinion. Here’s a comprehensive look at 20 types of coups, shedding light on the evolving and complex ways governments can be destabilized or overthrown.
Military Coup • What it is: Armed forces overthrow the government. • Example: General Pinochet’s takeover in Chile (1973).
Civilian Coup • What it is: Non-military actors, such as protest movements or political groups, lead the overthrow. • Example: Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution (2014).
Self-Coup (Autogolpe) • What it is: A leader consolidates power by dismantling democratic systems while already in office. • Example: Alberto Fujimori in Peru (1992).
Foreign-Assisted Coup • What it is: External forces, such as foreign governments or intelligence agencies, orchestrate regime change. • Example: CIA-backed coup in Iran (1953).
Palace Coup • What it is: Insiders, such as political elites or close advisors, remove a leader. • Example: The Brazilian coup against João Goulart (1964).
Democratic or Constitutional Coup • What it is: Legal or democratic systems are exploited to achieve undemocratic outcomes. • Example: Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany (1933).
Manipulative Coup (Soft Coup) • What it is: Billionaires, corporations, or powerful interest groups use wealth, propaganda, and fear to sway public opinion or elections. • Example: Berlusconi’s media manipulation in Italy.
Cyber Coup • What it is: Governments are destabilized through cyberattacks or digital interference. • Example: Alleged cyber meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
Economic Coup • What it is: Destabilization through economic sabotage, such as sanctions or creating financial crises. • Example: Economic manipulation in the 1973 Chilean coup.
Judicial Coup • What it is: Overthrow through court rulings or legal maneuvering. • Example: Impeachment of Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo (2012).
Legislative Coup • What it is: Removal of a government via parliamentary mechanisms like impeachment or no-confidence votes. • Example: Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment in Brazil (2016).
Revolutionary Coup • What it is: Overthrow through mass uprisings and revolutions. • Example: Iranian Revolution (1979).
Media Coup • What it is: Governments are destabilized through disinformation, propaganda, or media manipulation. • Example: Nazi Germany’s use of propaganda during its rise to power.
Religious Coup • What it is: Religious groups or institutions overthrow a secular government. • Example: Theocratic regime established after the Iranian Revolution (1979).
Technocratic Coup • What it is: Experts or technocrats replace elected leaders during crises. • Example: Mario Monti’s technocratic government in Italy (2011).
Hybrid Coup • What it is: A mix of multiple coup strategies, combining military, civilian, and external elements. • Example: The removal of Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovych (2014).
Corporate Coup • What it is: Corporations undermine or remove a government to protect economic interests. • Example: United Fruit Company’s role in Guatemala (1954).
Psychological Coup • What it is: Destabilization through manipulation of public fear, paranoia, or division. • Example: Rise of fascist regimes exploiting public fears in the 20th century.
Proxy Coup • What it is: Local actors act on behalf of foreign powers to overthrow a government. • Example: Soviet-backed coups in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.
Coercive Coup • What it is: Leadership steps down under extreme pressure, blackmail, or threats. • Example: Robert Mugabe’s resignation in Zimbabwe (2017).
Why Understanding Coups Matters
Coups are not just relics of the past—they continue to shape global politics today. Whether overt military takeovers or subtle manipulations through media, economics, or the judiciary, coups undermine stability and democracy in various forms. By identifying these types, we can better recognize and combat the forces that threaten democratic governance.