[idworks1]

Before the coup that happened a few days ago, my country was casually known as a dictatorship. You don't insult politicians, not especially on a public place. When you are home, you check if the coast is clear before you call the president names. Otherwise you get an armed and humiliating response, if not tragic.

Looks like lots of democratic countries are looking at us with envy and for inspiration these days.

[mc32]

It's also reminiscent of Lèse-majesté --something Thai Royalty likes bandying about. Politicians should not think themselves above the population and the police should not act as their shushers.

[philipov]

which country?

[hcayless]

Guinea is the only recent coup I know of https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58461436

[philipov]

Thanks, I try not to follow the news too closely because I think that's healthier.

[cheesetable]

Note that different people have different criteria for a coup.

For example, in the US in Jan 2021, there was a riot that some call a coup, and some do not.

Brazil might also count. I am not aware of the details.

[rob74]

It can only be called a coup if it's successful in actually changing the government. If it's not, you can argue endlessly (as in the Jan. 6 case) if it qualifies as an "attempted coup" (which implies that it had a remote chance of succeeding).

[sofixa]

> if it qualifies as an "attempted coup" (which implies that it had a remote chance of succeeding

No, an "attempted coup" means an attempt at a coup d'état. Probability of success doesn't matter for an attempt to be classified as an attempt, only intentions.

[philipov]

Yes, I think a coup implies that it was perpetrated by people already in government, such as the military, or an opposition party. A riot by the populace that aims to violently remove or influence the government is more properly called an insurrection, a la the French Revolution.

People already part of the government could be involved in triggering an insurrection, such as with the Jacobins involved in the Insurrection of 1792, but it still counts as an insurrection and not a coup because it is carried out by the population, not by forces working for the government, such as assassins or the military.