So, what is a junta? A junta is when a group of military personnel takes power in a country, usually through a coup. That is, when the army comes to power by force and governs the state, instead of elected politicians. This often happens when the military believes that the existing government is not fulfilling its duties or threatens the security of the country.
Here is an example: in many Latin American countries in the 20th century, a junta became a reality. Imagine Argentina or Chile, where military rulers came to power and governed with great brutality, controlling the press and persecuting opponents.
A junta is a military dictatorship or a group of military personnel that has seized power in a country by force, usually as a result of a coup.
Often a junta:
- lacks democratic legitimacy;
- rules authoritatively;
- prohibits opposition and freedom of speech.
In Ukraine, the word “junta” has often been used by Russian propaganda as a derogatory term for the Ukrainian government after the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. This is a manipulative use of the term, without factual basis.