The coup is the result of building tensions between Commodore Bainimarama and the prime minister over what the former regards as the latter's lenient treatment of those responsible for the racially motivated coup in 2000, launched by George Speight, a disgruntled businessman.

ECONOMIST: Fiji suffers its fourth coup in two decades

Carried interest is treated as a capital gain on investment rather than as income from employment, and so attracts more lenient tax treatment than the latter.

ECONOMIST: Private equity in the spotlight

Other nations stand to get similar treatment if only they replace their present autocrats with new ones - provided the latter are prepared to come to power via elections.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy