Political exile occurs when an individual is compelled to leave their home country by a government in power, usually as a result of dissent. These experiences frequently shape the lives of those who experience them, and their narratives often reverberate across time and space. Analyzing their impact and legacy illuminates the complexities of societal struggles to safeguard freedom and expression in authoritarian contexts. The 17th-century poet John Milton experienced several periods of political exile. His personal experience shaped his writing and political ideology, providing an emotional layer to his arguments against tyranny and oppression.
Historically, governments in exile (or “governments-in-exile”) have been established by monarchs or dynasties that were forced from their thrones during war or revolution. These dynasties continued to maintain their legitimacy in the eyes of other countries through their exile courts. Such examples include the Stuarts in exile after their removal by Oliver Cromwell and the Bourbon dynasty in exile after Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Waterloo. More recently, the governments of Chile and Czechoslovakia have maintained their legitimacy through exiled envoys.
The diasporic experience illustrates how the nation, understood as a politically bounded entity that safely houses and supports citizens, is constantly breached by its boundaries. The redrawing of nationhoods as political movements gain momentum in Europe highlights the perils and ambiguities of preserving identity in the face of globalization and conflicting notions of citizenship. Similarly, the African or black diaspora continues to connect to homelands and traditions through a range of cultural expressions. These include writing, music, and film, as well as cultural associations like Afrocentrism and Negritude that produce links amongst global black cultures. Many diasporic communities are also supported through economic remittances: funds sent ‘home’ to assist family and friends.
