Definitions
- Referring to a sudden and illegal seizure of power by a small group, often military or political elites. - Talking about a violent overthrow of an existing government or leader. - Describing a swift and decisive action to take control of a country or organization.
- Referring to a fundamental and radical change in the social, economic, or political structure of a society. - Talking about a popular uprising against an oppressive regime or system. - Describing a movement aimed at transforming the existing order and creating a new one.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve significant changes in the political landscape.
- 2Both can result in the overthrow of an existing government or leader.
- 3Both can be violent and involve the use of force.
- 4Both can be driven by a desire for change or reform.
- 5Both can have long-lasting effects on a society or country.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Coups are typically smaller in scale and involve a small group of elites, while revolutions can involve a large portion of the population.
- 2Means: Coups rely on force and often involve military or political elites, while revolutions can involve nonviolent means such as protests, civil disobedience, and strikes.
- 3Goals: Coups are often motivated by a desire for power and control, while revolutions are usually driven by a desire for social, economic, or political change.
- 4Legitimacy: Coups are generally considered illegal and undemocratic, while revolutions can be seen as legitimate if they are aimed at achieving democratic goals.
- 5Outcome: Coups often result in a transfer of power from one elite group to another, while revolutions can lead to a complete overhaul of the existing system and the establishment of a new one.
Remember this!
Coups and revolutions are both terms used to describe significant political changes. However, the difference between them lies in their scope, means, goals, legitimacy, and outcome. A coup is a sudden and often violent seizure of power by a small group of elites, while a revolution is a fundamental and radical change in the social, economic, or political structure of a society, often driven by a desire for reform or change.
