Overthrow of government

Coups d'état
Incitement to rebellion
Advocating overthrow of government

Nature

The take-over or alteration of government by force, or the show or threat of force, when carried out by a relatively small number of members of the state apparatus (usually backed by some key military unit) distinguishes the world's frequent coups d'état from broad-based popular or guerrilla managed revolutions. Very often the coup is a military one engineered by a group of officers.

Rebellion against government is defined as a crime in many criminal codes.

Background

The overthrow of governments has been a recurring global phenomenon, gaining heightened attention with the proliferation of mass media in the 20th century, which broadcast coups and revolutions worldwide. The Cold War era intensified scrutiny, as superpowers intervened in regime changes, prompting international debate on sovereignty and legitimacy. Scholarly and policy interest deepened following the wave of post-colonial coups and, more recently, the Arab Spring, highlighting the persistent instability and far-reaching consequences of such upheavals.

Incidence

If unsuccessful coups associated with a nation's military officers' positioning themselves during major political disorders are included, then the post World War II count exceeds 100. Over 50 were in Latin America (which also had 50 in the first half of the century); over 30 in Asia; over 20 in Africa; and 5 in Europe. Between two-thirds and three-quarters of coups d'état are successful.

Claim

Coups d'état, even by the military, are ideologically nourished by the civilian culture in which they take place. They always reflect society's loss of a sense of lawfulness, and not only the loss of a sense of lawfulness on the part of those doing the coup.

Counter-claim

The idea that the overthrow of government is a significant problem is vastly overstated. In reality, most societies function perfectly well despite political changes, and history shows that governments come and go without causing lasting harm. People adapt, institutions endure, and life continues. Focusing on this issue distracts from more pressing concerns like healthcare, education, and the environment. Frankly, the supposed threat of government overthrow is not worth our worry or attention.