How can a military coup become part of a civil war?

A military coup can become a catalyst for or a component of a civil war by creating "political opportunity structures" that destabilize the state and mobilize opposition.1

When a military seizes power, it often signals weakened state authority and internal elite conflict. This environment can trigger civil war in several ways:21

• Mobilization of Dissent: A coup may generate widespread disillusionment or provide a focal point for groups to organize protests against the new regime. If the military junta responds with repression, these protests can escalate into sustained violent conflict.13
• Institutional Fragmentation: Coups often reflect or exacerbate divisions within the armed forces or the broader political elite. If segments of the military or society refuse to accept the junta's authority, the resulting power struggle can evolve into an armed insurgency or civil war.241
• Perceived Illegitimacy: By overthrowing a civilian government, a junta may be viewed as illegitimate, prompting groups to resort to arms to restore democratic rights or achieve political goals that are no longer accessible through nonviolent means.43

Ultimately, a coup acts as a shock to the political system, and the subsequent instability often provides the necessary conditions for organized violence to emerge.1