Vanishing Coup: The Pattern of World History since 1310

Synopsis

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. 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. Ivan Perkins. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 305-325) And Index.