Avhoppare

Avhoppare is a Swedish term for a person who leaves an organization, movement, or group, often to align with another side or to withdraw from public life. The word is widely used in political discourse to describe individuals who resign from a party, break with a movement, or desert from a group such as a militia or extremist organization. Avhoppare may do so publicly or privately; when speaking publicly, they commonly cite differences in ideology, leadership, or practices, or a change in personal beliefs. The term does not by itself assign moral judgment.

Etymology: The compound is formed from av- meaning away from and hoppare, a noun based on hoppa 'to jump', indicating a person who jumps away.

Contexts: In politics and civil society, avhoppare can influence party dynamics, shift public opinion, or reveal internal disputes. In security or criminal contexts, avhoppare may become whistleblowers or defectors, providing information to authorities, while facing risks of stigma or retaliation from former allies. The handling of an avhoppare varies by country, organization, and legal framework, including eligibility for witness protection or media scrutiny.

See also: defection, desertion, whistleblower, turncoat.