A coup d'état, often simply called a coup, is the sudden and illegal overthrow of a government or its leader. This usually involves a small group, often military personnel or political leaders, who seize power without the consent of the public or through established legal processes. Coups can lead to significant political instability and changes in governance. Coup d'états can occur in various forms, from violent takeovers to more subtle political maneuvers. Historical examples include the 1973 Chilean coup that ousted President Salvador Allende and the 2014 Thai coup that removed the elected government. These events often result in changes to laws, policies, and the overall direction of a nation.