The Politics of Political Exile

Political exile occurs when an individual is forced to live outside of their homeland for one reason or another. It may be a consequence of political persecution, war, or coups and revolutions. It can also occur as a result of social, economic, and familial problems that make returning home difficult or impossible. Exile can shape the way an individual perceives their ties to home, fueling debates about governance and liberty in society. John Milton’s own experiences with exile influenced his work, adding an emotional dimension to his argument against tyranny in works like ‘Areopagitica’. Explore the implications of his time away from England for his legacy and broader debates about freedom of speech in 17th-century society.

Governments in exile are founded by deposed governments or rulers who continue to claim legitimate authority of the state they once controlled. They often have no formal territorial base, instead relying on the notion that their claimed territory is still considered part of their national heritage. During World War II, the Vichy-sympathizing French government relocated to the Sigmaringen enclave in Germany to become a government in exile.

More recently, the Dalai Lama has formed a government in exile in Dharamsala, India with cooperation from Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Similarly, the Provisional Government of Free India proclaimed by Subhas Chandra Bose was a government in exile during World War II. Some individuals also consider the Republic of China to be a government in exile, even though it does not have an official headquarters. This view is based on the theory that Taiwan was never officially returned to Chinese control at the end of World War II.