Title: Vanishing coup : the pattern of world history since 1310 /
Authors: Perkins, Ivan, 1971-
Year: 2013
Subjects: Coups d'état History.; History, Modern
Abstract: "This thoughtful and engaging book offers the first extended analysis of coups, which have played a central role in world history and politics. Ivan Perkins draws on his extensive research on the history and inner workings of coups to explain how a small but growing number of nations have escaped chronic violence and built states with perpetually peaceful transfers of power. Readers will explore the rising coup-free zone, from the baroque system behind 486 years of stability in Venice to today's heavy-handed but efficient regime in Singapore. Along the way, the author recounts some of history's most gripping political intrigues: the spontaneous street uprising against King Tarquinius Superbus in Rome, the machinations of Bengali officials that launched the British Empire, and the fears that compelled General Pinochet to join a coup and become dictator of Chile." -- Publisher website.
Contents: Part I. Solid states -- The coup-free zone -- The most serene republic -- The last British revolutionary -- The coup-free state -- George Washington: the anti-Napoleon -- Part II. Interlude: deep background -- True banana republics -- Intoxicating republican moments -- Part III. The international arena -- Self-interest, stupidity, and confusion -- A brief history of meddling -- The neutrality instinct -- Best friends.