This paper provides a short review of some of the basic concepts related to
the origin of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The various ideas which have
been put forward to explain the initiation of CMEs are categorized in terms
of whether they are force-free or non-force-free and ideal or nonideal. A
few representative models of each category are examined to illustrate the p
rinciples involved. At the present time there is no model which is sufficie
ntly developed to aid forecasters in their efforts to predict CMEs, but giv
en the current pace of research, this situation could improve dramatically
in the near future.