A Coup d'État is a sudden and illegal seizure of government power, typically executed by a small group, often military leaders or political factions. The goal is to overthrow the existing government and replace it with a new authority. This action usually occurs without the consent of the populace and can lead to significant political instability. Coup d'états can vary in scale and violence, ranging from peaceful takeovers to armed conflicts. Historical examples include the 1973 Chilean coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende and the 2014 coup in Thailand. Such events often result in changes to governance and can impact a nation's future.