Coup d’etat

There have been numerous instances throughout history where existing governments have been deposed by Dictators.

The term "coup d'etat," also known as "a Golpe," "a Putsch," or "Coup," refers to the illegal overthrow of the existing government through the unconstitutional seizure of power by the military, a political faction, or a dictator. During the French Revolution, the term "coup d'etat" was coined. The word is included on this list due to the abundance of evidence it has accumulated over the course of both chronological and geographical history.

In previous centuries, there have been numerous coup attempts, but only a select few have been successful. The majority of these coup attempts have taken place in Africa and the Americas, with Europe seeing by far the fewest of them.

Following post-Cold War coups, democratic systems have been more likely to emerge.