Seizing Power: The Strategic Logic of Military Coups

Thorough and well written theoretical work on coups d'etat. The model is convincing as a whole, and thought provoking. The writing is neat, interesting and clear. Very recommended. Only one caveat: too many test cases are from Ghana, and important prewar coups don't feature even in the database. This diminishes a bit the universal value of this otherwise impeccable study. Still, very solid research, original contribution to our understanding of coups and a great read.

Great book! The Author’s attempt to focus on their coordination dynamics rather than on the belligerent aspects of coups is unique!The methodology appears solid: the dataset is actually the largest to date, according to the Author. The double-benchmark system provides the needed checks and balances, especially when contradicting the hypotheses of the previous doctrine. The fact that the analysis is quantitative while the previous authors mostly make use of a qualitative methodology may result in a oversimplification of the views of the contradicted Authors.To explain why the officers are willing to coordinate despite their diverse preferences, the Author makes use of a game theoretic model, the so-called “battle of the sexes game”; it is easy to convene with him that such model is an “oversimplification of reality”. On the same level, the Author never considers the influence of external factors on the manipulation of expectations, such as ongoing peacekeeping, the threat of international intervention, or even the weather conditions.The use of the different examples of Ghana’s coup attempts result in a clear explanation of the theory, but it is hard to understand how effective is taking only one country’s situation as benchmark since the very Author underlines how historical precedents shape strongly the common knowledge, therefore it is hard to conceive fundamental changes in such knowledge, especially in the short time gap of the examples.The writing style is clear, linear and consistent throughout the book. In the last chapter there is a sudden change of tone, that may compromise the scientific reasoning that guided the entire book: the theme of the USSR is treated very historically, clearly shaping it around the theory on the coup-from-the-top, and not the other way around.

An interesting and enlightening book about military coups in general and Ghana's turbulent history in the 70s and 80s in particular. A period not much discussed here in Ghana. .