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Definition of Coup d'état and Historical Trends Revealed

Definition of Coup d'état and Historical Trends Revealed

A coup d'état, often simply called a coup, is defined as an illegal and overt attempt by a military organization or other government elites to remove an incumbent leader or leadership. This action is distinct from a 'self-coup,' which occurs when a leader who gained power legally attempts to retain it through illegal means. Historically, there have been numerous coup attempts; one estimate suggests 457 attempts between 1950 and 2010, with approximately half being successful. The mid-1960s saw the highest number of attempts, followed by peaks in the mid-1970s and early 1990s. The success of a coup often hinges on the coup-makers' ability to convince others of its inevitable success. Over time, the number of successful coups has decreased. Failed coups in authoritarian systems tend to strengthen the power of the existing authoritarian ruler, and a history of coups in a country is a strong predictor of future attempts, a phenomenon known as the 'coup trap.'

Arizona Republic

Arizona students, share your vision for America and win $1,000

Arizona students, share your vision for America and win $1,000

The Arizona Republic, USA TODAY and SUNN invite students in grades 5-12 to submit a video of their inaugural address for a chance at cash.

Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from European Anti-Corruption Panel GRECO

Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from European Anti-Corruption Panel GRECO

The Trump administration has formally notified the Council of Europe of the United States' withdrawal from the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). This decision aligns with the administration's broader strategy to disengage from international and multilateral organizations perceived as exceeding their mandates, being inefficient, or not aligning with U.S. policies. A U.S. official confirmed the notification was submitted, ahead of an official State Department announcement. The Council of Europe acknowledged the U.S. participation in GRECO since 2000 as a valuable contributor to its anti-corruption efforts and expressed openness to future cooperation. This move follows a recent decision by the U.S. not to invite members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor upcoming congressional midterm elections. The U.S. has previously withdrawn from other European-based United Nations and multilateral organizations, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights C...

Rubio orders visiting Iranian UN delegation to leave NYC ahead of schedule

Rubio orders visiting Iranian UN delegation to leave NYC ahead of schedule

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered Iran's foreign minister and his delegation to the U.N. General Assembly to leave New York earlier than they had planned

The Commercial Appeal

Trump's approval rating in Tennessee stays negative. Here's the latest

Trump's approval rating in Tennessee stays negative. Here's the latest

Trump's diminished approval rating coincides with widespread dissatisfaction among Americans regarding the economy and the president’s influence on it.

Congresswoman Pou Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Bangladesh's UN General Assembly Presidency

Congresswoman Pou Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Bangladesh's UN General Assembly Presidency

Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan House resolution to congratulate Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution, co-sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), also reaffirms the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. Congresswoman Pou highlighted that she represents one of the largest Bangladeshi-American communities in the U.S., with an estimated 300,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage residing in the country. The resolution acknowledges the diplomatic relations established in 1972 and the significant economic, military, security, and humanitarian ties between the two nations. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $13.7 billion in 2025. Additionally, the resolution recognizes Bangladesh's substantial contributions to U.N. peacekeeping efforts and its role in hosting over one million Rohingya refugees. Bangladeshi...

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Lubbock letter writer responds to Tibor Nagy column on U.N. diplomacy

Lubbock letter writer responds to Tibor Nagy column on U.N. diplomacy

In this letter to the editor, a Lubbock reader makes a counter point to Ambassador Tibor Nagy's column questioning the value of UN High Level Week.

US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

The Trump administration is removing Syria from a list of countries that aren't allowed to purchase or import U.S. weaponry

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany Voted Against Five House Resolutions to End Iran Hostilities

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany Voted Against Five House Resolutions to End Iran Hostilities

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a Republican candidate for governor, voted against five House resolutions aimed at directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. These votes occurred on March 5 (House Concurrent Resolution 38), April 16 (House Concurrent Resolution 40), May 14 (House Concurrent Resolution 75), June 3 (House Concurrent Resolution 86), and July 23 (House Concurrent Resolution 89). Despite these votes, Tiffany stated in a May 14 podcast that it was time to 'wrap up' the conflict in Iran. He later clarified on September 22 that his 'no' votes were based on his belief that the president already possessed the authority to exit the war, rendering the resolutions unnecessary. Tiffany was not present for a September 15 war resolution vote, as he was involved in an emergency plane landing incident.

Dr. Stephen F. Knott Explores Long Tradition of Conspiracy Theories in American Presidency

Dr. Stephen F. Knott Explores Long Tradition of Conspiracy Theories in American Presidency

Dr. Stephen F. Knott, a Professor of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval War College, is presenting on the long tradition of conspiracy theories within the American presidency. His work delves into how these theories have shaped the political landscape and public perception throughout U.S. history. Dr. Knott previously served as Co-Chair of the Presidential Oral History Program at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia and as an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department at the United States Air Force Academy. He is the author of nine books focusing on the American presidency, the early republic, and American foreign policy, including titles such as 'Secret and Sanctioned: Covert Operations and the American Presidency' and 'The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal.' His most recent book is 'Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy.' Dr. Knott is also a regular presenter at History Camp Boston.

Norway parliament probes Epstein links to politicians and diplomats

Norway parliament probes Epstein links to politicians and diplomats

By Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche OSLO, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Norway's parliament began public hearings on Wednesday over ties between the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Norwegian diplomats and politicians in a scandal that has shaken the nation's elite.

Colin Powell Became the First Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Colin Powell Became the First Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Colin Powell's tenure as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff marked a significant period in American military history. Serving from Octo...