- Silent coup
Background
The phenomenon of the soft coup gained global attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as analysts observed subtle, non-military tactics undermining elected governments. Its significance was first recognized during political crises in Latin America and Eastern Europe, where legal and institutional maneuvers replaced overt force. Subsequent cases in Asia and Africa deepened understanding, prompting international organizations and scholars to track and debate the evolving strategies and implications of these covert power shifts.
Incidence
Soft coups have become an increasingly prominent phenomenon in global politics, with incidents reported across diverse regions including Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Unlike traditional coups, these events often involve the manipulation of legal, political, or institutional mechanisms to undermine or unseat elected governments, frequently eroding democratic norms and destabilizing governance. The subtlety and legality of such actions make them difficult to quantify, but their growing frequency and impact on political stability have raised significant international concern.
In 2022, Brazil experienced widespread allegations of a soft coup attempt following the presidential election. Supporters of the outgoing president, Jair Bolsonaro, challenged the legitimacy of the electoral process, leveraging judicial and legislative avenues to contest the results and pressure institutions, raising fears of democratic backsliding.
In 2022, Brazil experienced widespread allegations of a soft coup attempt following the presidential election. Supporters of the outgoing president, Jair Bolsonaro, challenged the legitimacy of the electoral process, leveraging judicial and legislative avenues to contest the results and pressure institutions, raising fears of democratic backsliding.
Broader
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Unpresentable
Language
English
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Jan 16, 2024