A coup d'état (pronounced koo dey tah), commonly known as a coup, is the sudden and illegal seizure of a government, usually instigated by a small group of the existing state establishment to depose the established government and replace it with a new ruling body. The term comes from the French phrase meaning "stroke of state" or "blow of state." In Hebrew, it is translated as הפיכה (ha'pikhah). Other relevant translations include putsch in German, golpe de estado in Spanish, and coup d'état in French. Coups often involve the use of violence or the threat of violence, and they can be carried out by the military, political factions, or other powerful groups within the state. Historically, coups have been a significant factor in political transitions, particularly in regions with unstable governments or weak democratic institutions. Successful coups can lead to significant political and social changes, while failed attempts may result in violent repression or civil conflict.
Deposition of a government
A coup d'état, or simply a coup, is typically an illegal and overt attempt by a military organization or other government elites to unseat an incumbent person or leadership. A self-coup is said to take place when a leader, having come to power through legal means, tries to stay in power through illegal means.