Vanishing Coup The Pattern of World History since 1310 [Hardcover]

In a well-reasoned analysis, the author of this book describes and explains a decline in military coups over the past eight centuries in certain nations . . . .His argument is persuasive. . . .Perkins's Vanishing Coup constitutes the best study currently in print on what produces military coups and what prevents them.By the end of the book . . . it is clear that Perkins overall thesis is sound and significant. . . .Vanishing Coup will make valuable reading for diplomats, scholars, or NGO leaders working in disputed areas. . . .Perkins . . . has identified an essential element to the remarkable peace that seems to have contributed to the cessation of the historical bellum omnium contra omnes in the last 50-150 years.Ivan Perkins has identified a momentous yet underappreciated development in human history and has assembled a vast amount of evidence and a coherent narrative around it. Vanishing Coup is a major contribution to history and political science and a fascinating read.Perkins makes a significant contribution with this well-written and interesting book. Surveying a far broader range of historical circumstances than most scholars attempt, he arrives at sweeping conclusions relating to both international warfare and domestic violence. His emphasis on elements of political culture, notably rule of law and transparency, deserves a prominent place in discussions on how to preserve governments and foster peace.This thoughtful and engaging book offers the first extended analysis of coups, a central factor shaping world history and politics. Ivan Perkins introduces a new theory to explain why a military coup or revolution is such an unthinkable prospect in advanced democracies. Focusing especially on the first three coup-free statesthe Venetian Republic, Great Britain, and the United Statesthe book traces the evolutionary origins of political violence and the historical rise of republican government. Perkins concludes with a new explanation for the democratic peaclcn