Coup d'état

A coup d'état, also called a coup, is the act of overthrowing a government, but not necessarily destroying the state. As such, a coup does not always lead to the overthrow of the dominating class. Coups have been used and have also been instrumental in socialist revolutions, counter-revolutions and bourgeois revolutions.

Etymology

The name comes from the French, and literally means a "blow of the state", and should be understood to mean a "knockout blow [to the government]".

Types

Generals' coups

The most reactionary type of coups, which reverse the achievements of a national liberation struggle or an electoral victory against the ruling class, are usually led by generals and the top leadership of the military. The United States and domestic elites often back such coups, which benefit the international imperialist bourgeoisie.

Examples:

• Algeria (1965)
• Indonesia (1965)
• Ghana (1966)
• Uganda (1971)
• Chile (1973)
• Chad (1975)

Colonels' coups

In countries that lack national liberation movements and have no hope for social reform, lower military officers such as colonels may lead progressive coups.

Examples:

• Egypt (1952)
• Iraq (1958)
• Sudan (1969)
• Libya (1969)
• Burkina Faso (1983)