Defecting

Defecting is the act of leaving one's country, government, or organization to join or seek refuge with another. In political and military contexts the term is most often used to describe a person who abandons an allegiance, sometimes with the aim of gaining asylum, influencing an outcome, or joining an opposing faction. The term can also apply to non-state actors, but its usage generally connotes a high-stakes political or security dimension.

Defection is distinct from emigration or ordinary immigration, and from desertion. Emigration refers to moving to another country for residence, while asylum seeks protection from persecution; desertion describes a failure to fulfill duties, particularly in a military or security service. A defector's actions are usually judged by the allegiance they abandon and the allegiance they seek.

Common motives include perceived political oppression, fear of persecution or harm, ideological shifts, safety or family considerations, and the opportunity for new resources or information. Some defectors aim to provide intelligence or signal dissent, while others hope to gain freedom of expression or political asylum.

Defection may involve clandestine travel, border crossing, and formal asylum procedures. Home governments may impose penalties, revoke citizenship, or pursue extradition; host countries assess asylum claims under international or national law, and outcomes range from protection to rejection or deportation. Defection can strain international relations and alter security calculations, as it may affect morale, policy, or intelligence landscapes.

Historically, defections have occurred in many contexts, notably during periods of conflict or political upheaval, and have sometimes influenced negotiations or public opinion. Contemporary coverage emphasizes the legal and human rights dimensions of seeking asylum, while recognizing the ongoing political risks for those who defect and their families.