[1][2] In other words, one who takes the power of a country, city, or established region for oneself, without any formal or legal right to claim it as one's own.
[3] Usurpers can rise to power in a region by often unexpected physical force such as via a coup d'état, as well as through political influence and deceit.
[9] The concept of usurpation played a huge role in the governance of monarchies, often carrying disdain to those who have been accused of it.
[10] Lengthy advice was given to potential and actual usurpers by the political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli in his book The Prince.
[11][12] Methods discussed were pertinent to the establishment of a more secure principality for the ruler, which Machiavelli stated would require evil to be done at some point.