The dictionary definition of a Military coup is fairly straightforward: it is the sudden illegal, often violent, overthrow or alteration of a government by a small group. The real question, however, is how to react sensibly when such an event happens.
A military coup is an interjection of armed forces into the political life of a country. The aim is to gain power and influence. The main tactic is to capture the palace and claim to be the new leader. They then make anyone who doesn’t follow their leadership a target and may use force to do so. They also try to control the state TV and media so they can communicate their message.
These efforts to seize control usually cause more than just a change in the country’s leaders. They can lead to social unrest, political instability, and economic decline. They can also lead to a humanitarian crisis. For example, a coup in Niger might result in food shortages because it could destabilize agricultural production.
The United States needs to send a strong signal to militaries that supporting self-coups is not professional. This means enforcing its coup clause more consistently, including in the International Military Education and Training programs. It should also extend it to include any presidential actions that appear to be designed to aggrandize executive power. In doing so, it will help the military realize that facilitating a self-coup might not actually advance its interests. It will also reduce the risk that other donors will cut off aid if it backs a self-coup.
About the Author
