throw the government there. This attempt was unsuccessful. The failed attack is one of

about

five supposed coups attempted in 2014. The question is, how many of these were actual

coups

and how many were just rebellions?

First, we have to talk about what the difference is between a “coup” and a rebellion.

The word coup implies a quick powershift that is not approved by political process, or the

general populace. A small group, literally takes power without the consent of the people.

Rebellions are powershifts brought on by a popular mandate of the people. It is the result

of the

masses removing or replacing a government or it’s leaders.

In 2014 in both Abkhazia and Burkina Faso the heads of state were forcibly

removed from power. Those heads of states claimed that this was done in a coup, but

according

to experts, that claim is more of a political play than a reality. In both cases, angry

protesters

stormed government buildings and forced leaders to give up power and leave, making the

incident a rebellion instead of a coup. The ousted leaders are claiming that these were

coups

because coups are less-respected by other nations compared to rebellions and easier

to

overturn. For example, historically, US law only allowed aid to be sent to countries reeling

from

rebellion - but not coups.

The same thing happened following the Ukrainian Revolution of 2014. Ousted President

Yanukovych cried coup when he was unseated by parliament, even

though there was an actual vote. Yanukovych still says the vote was illegitimate and the

final

step in a coup.

Sometimes the line between coup and not a coup is harder to define. In Lesotho, in August,

military action forced the prime minister to flee, but he was able to return a

week later and no one in the army ever officially took power of the country. The army claims

that

the leaders own police force was going to stage an armed rebellion and that he was forced

out

of the country for his own protection. The Prime Minister rejects this claim and has

called the

action a coup, but it is hard to clearly define the intentions of everyone involved.

The most successful and clear cut case of a coup d’etat in 2014 happened in Thailand,

but

that is nothing new. NPR estimates that more than a dozen coups have been attempted there

since 1932. Thai coups are unique because they are mostly bloodless and happen frequently

for an otherwise flourishing nation. The military there is lawfully allowed to seize control

of the

country during political turmoil. So long as the coup is successful, it is legal and

the King of

Thailand will officially recognize the new government.