A coup d'état is a sudden and often illegal seizure of power from a government. This usually involves a small group, such as military leaders or political factions, who overthrow the existing authority. The goal is to replace the current leaders with their own, often without the consent of the general population. Coup d'états can lead to significant changes in a country's political landscape, sometimes resulting in violence and instability. Famous examples include the 1973 Chilean coup that ousted President Salvador Allende and the 2014 coup in Thailand. These events highlight the risks and consequences of such power struggles.