A military coup is a sudden and often illegal seizure of power by the armed forces, typically aimed at overthrowing the existing government. This can occur when military leaders believe that the current administration is failing to maintain order or protect national interests. Coups can lead to significant political instability and may result in the establishment of a military government. During a coup, military personnel may use force or the threat of force to take control of key government institutions, such as the presidency or parliament. Historical examples of military coups include the 1973 Chilean coup and the 2013 Egyptian coup, which both resulted in major changes to their respective countries' political landscapes.