exile

Exile refers to the state or condition of being barred from one’s home country or region, or living outside it for political, legal, or safety reasons. It can be voluntary, such as when a person leaves to avoid danger or persecution, or forced, such as when a government compels someone to reside elsewhere.

There are several types of exile. Political or legal exile is imposed by a state through banishment or expatriation, often after a conviction or as a preventive measure. Deportation generally involves removal to another country and does not always imply permanent removals from the homeland. Internal exile describes restrictions within a country, such as house arrest or confinement to a specific area. Exile is distinct from asylum, which is protection granted by another state; exile can precede, accompany, or follow asylum, and diaspora refers to communities living outside their ancestral homeland.

Causes and motivations include punishment for crimes or political dissent, security concerns, religious or ethnic persecution, and economic or social pressures. Exile may be self-imposed to escape danger, stigma, or oppressive regimes. Throughout history, exile has been used as a tool of governance, punishment, or refuge. Early examples include populations forced from empires and the Jewish exile from Judah in the ancient period; later, political exiles and intellectuals moved across borders seeking safety or freedom.

Legal and ethical considerations intersect with international human rights and asylum law. States exercise sovereignty by regulating entry and residence while balancing obligations to protect individuals from persecution. The experience of exile can have profound personal and communal effects, influencing culture, politics, and literature, and often shaping relationships between homeland and host societies. Exile can be temporary or permanent, with outcomes ranging from return to permanent settlement abroad.