Would it theoretically be possible to stage a coup in the USA or UK?

Question

I read a lot about the coups of war-torn African states during the 1960s- present, where the major focus was on seizing control of the presidential palace (or equivalent) and the nearby barracks, getting rid of the ruling power and establsiging a new power.

Theoretically, could a coup be staged in a developed western country, such as the USA, UK or mainland Europe today? Would seizing control of certain parts of the capital cities (Washington D.C., London) and the corresponding governmental seats be enough, as it was in those African states?

This is a light hearted question, I am obviously not planning to do this but serious answers would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

It's unlikely. Most (but not all) coups are either led by, or supported by a disgruntled military. The armies in the US and in EU states do not behave in this way.

They are ultimately servants of democratically elected governments. Coups also become less likely in countries that have been democracies for a very long time. And they'd be even less likely to happen when a country's economy is doing well.

Unless there is a 1929-type economic crash, I'd say it'd almost never happen in the US or any EU member. The same could be said for Canada, Australia, Japan, India and NZ, to name a few.

Answer 2

All a coup requires is a military not completely under the control of the government. Could happen absolutely anywhere under that.
It is highly unlikely, however, especially in the UK where the military is completely loyal if not to Parliament certainly to the Crown.
A large enough portion of the UK military that would be required to ensure a coup was succesful would not happen. And the Royal Navy has never rebelled against the Crown, hence the preminent postion as the Senior Service.

Answer 3

Ooooh good question, I am fascinated & depressed by the African history in general - I always thought one of the key factors to a sucessful coup was to get the army on your side or have a bigger army than supporting the current leader (civil war ensuing when there is no obvious winner - yeah, yeah I know it's not quite as simple as that & there are other factors like religion etc) ... so on that basis, I doubt an individual could muster enough support to overpower & therefore overthrow the UK/US's existing army but theoretically if a high ranking officer could get the support of the troops & especially if combined with a high ranking law enfourcement officer doing the same it might be possible ..... blimey that sounds like a great novel - hands off Dan Brown !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

You're using the wrong terminology . A coup is staged by the forces of the Right e.g Army, Rightists within government etc.

The assassination of JFK was a coup -the class who perpetrated it have been in power since in the US. they were able to carry out the false flag attack on 9/11 with equal impunity.

The Brits have had rumblings and they have elements within secret government e.g the 'Pinay Cercle' or 'Le Cercle '(the circle in French ) who almost certainly may have been behind the ousting of Australia’s Gough Whitlam.

"The "Pinay Cercle" is an "Atlanticist" right-wing organization of serving and retired intelligence operatives, military officers and politicians that conspired to "affect" changes in government."

They also claim credit for engineering the election of Margaret Thatcher in the U.K.

Chris Mullen's Book (a work of fiction) "a very British coup" examines such a scenario in Britain.

Answer 5

I don't know about the U.K.

In the U.S., one of things that Americans pride themselves on is that in over 200 years of government, we've transferred power from one person to another, without there ever being a shot fired, a tank rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue, or someone being taken prisoner.

No Americans would go for a coup since most of us have faith in our system of government, even though we have an idiot who runs the Executive Branch right now. The best part is, in '08, he's gone. No ifs, and, or buts about it.

Answer 6

A coup in the United States would be very beneficial at the moment. Fortunately Bush will be tied to his kennel for the rest of his Presidency due to the power that the Democrats now have.

Answer 7

could never happen.
like you would also have to take all the state capital's at the same time.
with some way of controlling the weapon lock up of all government / state military and police forces(and do you have any idea how many of those there are?)at the same time.
to big in scope already, unless you have the backing of say 250,000 well armed, well placed individuals.
in other words, an army equivalent to the present us military/cops.

Answer 8

Scargill tried it in the '70's, using the miners to march on London. The trouble was that he couldn't generate mass support so it failed. The net result was Mrs. Thatcher with a huge majority and the destruction of the coal industry.

Answer 9

Of course. If millions of people surrounded the White House and rushed the gates, what could the feds do?

Edit: ..not that I'd advocate a coup.

Answer 10

I believe that there damn early was one during Harold Wilson's term of government. The answer therefore must be yes