A military coup is a sudden and often illegal seizure of power by the armed forces of a country. This typically occurs when military leaders decide to overthrow the existing government, often citing reasons such as political instability, corruption, or failure to maintain order. The military may take control of key government institutions and impose martial law. During a coup, the military may detain political leaders and restrict civil liberties. The outcome can lead to a change in government, sometimes resulting in a military dictatorship. Historical examples include the 1973 Chilean coup and the 2013 Egyptian coup, which reshaped their respective nations' political landscapes.