Political exile is the experience of being banished from one’s country due to political dissidence. Such experiences have shaped modern discussions of power, control, and resistance, as well as influenced how societies manage dissent and the stability of their government structures. The tactics employed by leaders like Napoleon in exiling rival factions from society reflected larger themes of political dissent and rebellion, and have served as a model for modern regimes that face challenges with maintaining control.

Individuals who are politically exiled may continue to serve their country from abroad, often through writing and activism. John Milton, for example, was forced to live in exile for a period of time, and his experiences with this condition heavily influenced his literary works and political ideologies, giving his voice a deeper resonance against tyranny.

Governments-in-exile are entities that claim continued legitimacy over a homeland while operating from outside of it due to conflict or occupation. These governments typically seek diplomatic recognition from other States. They may form from widespread belief in the illegitimacy of the ruling government, such as the 2024 declaration of an independent Artsakh Republic by Samvel Shahramanyan, or they can be established after a foreign invasion or coup, as is the case with the Tibetan government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama.

Unlike the traditional definition of political exile, which includes those who have been forced to move from their homeland, this article also encompasses those who have chosen to leave Russia or other former Soviet countries for economic or personal reasons over the years and have maintained a pro-Putin attitude in their new homes. It is not uncommon for such individuals to have deep connections with family members and friends in Russia, and they often spend considerable energy on keeping these relationships alive.