Difference between revisions of "Defection"
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'''Defection''' is a term that means to change sides. This is usually used in the context of the change of [[allegiance]], [[duty]] or [[loyalty]] particularly in a [[politics|political]] context. In a religious context defection is known as [[apostasy]]. | '''Defection''' is a term that means to change sides. This is usually used in the context of the change of [[allegiance]], [[duty]] or [[loyalty]] particularly in a [[politics|political]] context. In a religious context defection is known as [[apostasy]]. | ||
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| + | Defection can also means failure, lack, or loss: e.g. He was overcome by a sudden defection of [[humor]]. | ||
The word is often associated with the [[Cold War]] when individuals would ''defect'' from say [[Soviet Union|Russia]] or [[DDR|East Germany]] to the West, although some traitors also moved the opposite way from the [[United States]] or [[United Kingdom]]. Defectors often supplied valuable [[intelligence]] to the opposition and intelligence agencies often tried to delay their defection for as long as possible. As a reward they would often be given a [[house]] and [[job]] in their adopted [[country]] but ultimately they often ended up sad and lonely in their new [[home]]. | The word is often associated with the [[Cold War]] when individuals would ''defect'' from say [[Soviet Union|Russia]] or [[DDR|East Germany]] to the West, although some traitors also moved the opposite way from the [[United States]] or [[United Kingdom]]. Defectors often supplied valuable [[intelligence]] to the opposition and intelligence agencies often tried to delay their defection for as long as possible. As a reward they would often be given a [[house]] and [[job]] in their adopted [[country]] but ultimately they often ended up sad and lonely in their new [[home]]. | ||
| − | + | ==Some notable defectors== | |
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| + | *[[Kim Philby]] (Britain to USSR) | ||
| + | *[[Guy Burgess]] (Britain to USSR) | ||
| + | *[[Donald MacClean]] (Britain to USSR) | ||
| + | *[[Oleg Gordievsky]] (USSR to Britain) | ||
| + | *[[Mikhail Baryshnikov]] (USSR to Canada) | ||
| + | *[[Rudolf Nureyev]] (USSR to France) | ||
| + | *[[James Joseph Dresnok]] (USA to North Korea) | ||
| + | *[[Jerry Wayne Parrish]] (USA to North Korea) | ||
| + | *[[Bernon F. Mitchell]] (USA to USSR) | ||
| + | *[[William H. Martin]] (USA to USSR) | ||
[[Category:Politics]] | [[Category:Politics]] | ||
[[Category:Language]] | [[Category:Language]] | ||
Revision as of 19:34, September 8, 2008
Defection is a term that means to change sides. This is usually used in the context of the change of allegiance, duty or loyalty particularly in a political context. In a religious context defection is known as apostasy.
Defection can also means failure, lack, or loss: e.g. He was overcome by a sudden defection of humor.
The word is often associated with the Cold War when individuals would defect from say Russia or East Germany to the West, although some traitors also moved the opposite way from the United States or United Kingdom. Defectors often supplied valuable intelligence to the opposition and intelligence agencies often tried to delay their defection for as long as possible. As a reward they would often be given a house and job in their adopted country but ultimately they often ended up sad and lonely in their new home.
Some notable defectors
- Kim Philby (Britain to USSR)
- Guy Burgess (Britain to USSR)
- Donald MacClean (Britain to USSR)
- Oleg Gordievsky (USSR to Britain)
- Mikhail Baryshnikov (USSR to Canada)
- Rudolf Nureyev (USSR to France)
- James Joseph Dresnok (USA to North Korea)
- Jerry Wayne Parrish (USA to North Korea)
- Bernon F. Mitchell (USA to USSR)
- William H. Martin (USA to USSR)