A coup, short for coup d'état, is a sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government. It typically involves a small group, often military leaders or political factions, who overthrow the existing authority. Coups can lead to significant changes in leadership and government structure, often resulting in instability and conflict. Coups can occur for various reasons, including political dissatisfaction, economic crises, or social unrest. Historical examples include the 1973 Chilean coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende and the 2014 Thai coup that removed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. These events often reshape a nation's political landscape.