Defiant Defectors and Rebellious Refugees

While defectors could be an important symbol for a country or a coup for an intelligence agency, they were also human beings that were forced to flee their home country. Similarly, refugees are “displaced” by everything from conflict to famine. Their stories not only provide insight into our shared histories, they shape geopolitics in profound ways. A displaced group disrupts whatever balance there was in the surrounding areas, increasing social stresses and sometimes depleting resources. Failing to deal with refugees in a proactive way enhances the tragedy of displacement, for everyone.