A recent surge in military takeovers across Africa, with 11 successful coups since 2020, has reignited debate on whether coups are "contagious." While some scholars remain skeptical, new research suggests that would-be plotters are emboldened by visible domestic support and muted international consequences.

• Since 2020, there have been 11 successful military takeovers and 5 failed coups across Africa, with countries like Burkina Faso and Mali experiencing two each.
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a coup "epidemic" as early as 2021.
• Public support for military rule in Benin has nearly tripled, with 1 in 3 people now expressing support, and over 60% of citizens in Madagascar in 2024 deem it permissible for the military to remove corrupt leaders.