A military coup is a sudden and often illegal seizure of power by the armed forces of a country. In such events, military leaders may overthrow the existing government, typically using force or the threat of force. This can lead to significant political instability and changes in leadership. During a coup, the military may impose martial law, restricting civil liberties and controlling the media. The reasons for a coup can vary, including dissatisfaction with the current government, economic crises, or political corruption. Historical examples include the 1973 Chilean coup and the 2014 Thai coup.