Description
Book SynopsisIn addition, Singh identifies three distinct types of coup dynamics, each with a different probability of success, based on where within the organization each coup originated: coups from top military officers, coups from the middle ranks, and mutinous coups from low-level soldiers.
Trade ReviewSingh's book is an informative read-even if you're not planning a coup. Washington Post A powerful book on military coups. Singh's argument is convincing and straightforward... Impressive. This reviewer would not be surprised if Seizing Power quickly establishes itself as a must-read for students of coups and military politics in the years to come. Perspectives on Politics This is a truly insightful book on a subject-coups as means of seizing power-that has been little researched and written about. Naunihal Singh is a true pioneer in that regard, and we must commend him for making a unique contribution to military knowledge with this important, highly useful, and valuable book. Biz India Magazine
Table of ContentsList of Figures and Tables
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
The Importance of Understanding Coups
Understanding Coup Outcomes and Dynamics
Other Theoretical Explanations
Background of Cases
Overview of Chapters
2. Theory
Coups as Battles
Coups as Elections
Coups as Coordination Games
Conclusion
3. Counting Coups
Understanding Coup Attempts
Understanding Coup Outcomes
Understanding Coup Levels
Limitations
Conclusion
4. Coups from the Top of the Military
A Theory of Coups from the Top
The Case of Ghana, 1975
Ghana, 1978
Conclusion
5. Coups from the Middle
A Theory of Coups from the Middle
Ghana, 1967
Ghana, 1972
Conclusion
6. Coups from the Bottom
A Theory of Coups from the Bottom
Ghana, May 1979
Ghana, June 1979
Ghana, 1981
Conclusion
7. USSR, 1991
Background
Analysis
Conclusion
8. Conclusion
Implications for the Study of Civil-Military Relations
Implications for Future Coups
Implications for Policy
Appendix
References
Index
