This is very similar to preventing revolution. However, what is emphasized in this section is preventing overthrow by others who would maintain a structure of harm. There are two important issue areas:

• the struggle for control of the government

• how is a structure of harm maintained?

The struggle for control of the government

Armed Conflict. There are many examples of armed conflict in the world today. Examined more closely this conflict is typically over control of the government or specific territory--often territory with natural resources. Thus this conflict is over who will establish control over government/territory and subsequently over control over resources, including the power to tax, arrange oil leases, and so on. Examples would be conflict between the more-or-less established government and rebel  or other groups, conflicts between governments, done surreptitiously or openly, and conflicts between governments, and conflict between government and organized crime. (In addition there is often small scale 'conflict'  such as assault and robbery, where there is use of force, often on one side onlu.    In conflict, in addition to the struggle for control over resources or power, there is typically great harm done to ordinary people, such as murder,  amputation of limbs, rape, taking of family food and other resources. (This can be so bad that an end to conflict, even if it then means establishment of an organized system of oppression, is preferable to people.) 

Revolution against an unjust government (see section above) also causes conflict.  It is often difficult to decide if armed conflict is a way to gain resources, or a reasonable reaction against injustice, or a reasonable reaction by government to what is viewed as dismemberment of its territory.  This in a particular circumstance is usually debatable, however it is possible to form an opinion based on the evidence.  Were severe human rights violations in Bosnia,  or Rwanda and Burundi justified for example?  Who is correct, the government of Sudan or the people of Darfur?  What is the current conflict in Somalia about?

Armed conflict is ongoing in Sudan, principally in its Darfur region.  The conflict has multiple roots and  extends to Chad and the Central African Republic.  Making sense of Chad by Alex de Waal (February 7, 2008)  does a good job of describing the roots of the regional conflict. Also see Hunger Notes section Darfur on this region for further information. 

The conflict in Somalia also has ethnic and multi-country roots.  See Hunger Notes section on Somalia.

Coup d'etats, 'revolutions,' and other means

There is a substantial amount of more or less violent, more or less legal, rearrangements of governments.

Paraguay president sacks army head BBC News November 5, 2009 

Deal set to restore ousted Honduran president Ginger Thompson and Elisabeth Malkin New York Times October 25, 2009 

Honduran military ousts President Zelaya William Booth and Juan Forero Washington Post June 29, 2009 Honduran president fires armed forces boss BBC News June 25, 2009

Pakistan's real battle: government vs. Army. Though the situation in Swat Valley is improving, the military's success is upsetting Pakistan's fragile internal balance of power. Kathryn Allawalla Christian Science Monitor July 21, 2009

How is a structure of harm maintained?

One way is by installing supporters in key areas. 

North Korea leader Kim Jong Il, right, and his son Kim Jong Un, left, salute from the balcony as they attend a massive military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the communist nation’s ruling Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, North Korea on Sunday. Photo: Kyodo News, via Associated Press

North Koreans boost power of ruler's kin Martin Fackler and Mark McDonald New York Times September 28, 2010

Generals in Pakistan push for shakeup of government Jane Perlez New York Times September 28, 2010

Ahmadinejad reaps benefits of stacking agencies with allies  Neil MacFarquhar New York Times June 24, 2009 This article describes how the President of Iran has created a pervasive network of important officials in the military, security agencies, and major media outlets.

Honduran president Zelaya dismisses the armed forces chief after he refused to give logistical support for a referendum on constitutional change BBC News June 25, 2009 This story describes how the Honduran president wants to hold a referendum that would allow him to serve a second term.  Both the courts and the legislature have said the referendum is illegal, and when the armed forces chief of staff refused to provide logistical support for the referendum, he was fired. 

As noted above, a key way is by killing, imprisoning, or otherwise marginalizing opponents.

A second key way is by controlling sources of wealth and then distributing the resulting income. Those who are responsible for maintaining the structure of power get paid.

Kenyan minister resigns (temporarily) over accusations that he sold a government hotel for one-third of its value  BBC News July 8, 2008 (You will leave this site)

Sanctions on businessman target Syria's inner sanctum Robin Wright Washington Post February 22, 2008 (You will leave this site, be required to register once with the Post and thereafter sign in using your email address.)

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