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A government in exile is a political group which claims to be a country or semi-sovereign states legitimate government but is unable to exercise legal power and instead resides in another foreign country.
The concept of a government in exile is not new. Throughout history, various governments have found themselves operating from foreign lands. One of the most notable examples is the Polish government during World War II. After Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939, the Polish government fled to London. From there, they continued to coordinate resistance efforts, maintain diplomatic relations, and plan for the future of a free Poland.
Similarly, the French government under Charles de Gaulle, known as Free France, operated from London after the fall of France in 1940. De Gaulle’s government in exile played a crucial role in the Allied war effort and the eventual liberation of France.
The world map below, created by Reddit user PisseGuri82, shows governments in exile in 2018.
Belarus Founded in 1917. The Belarusian democratic republic was overthrown in 1920. Unable to return after 1991, it is currently based in Toronto.
Ukraine After the pro-Russian government fled Ukraine in 2014, members set up a committee in Moscow advocating for new elections.
Syria The Syrian interim government, founded in opposition to the Assad regime, has operated from Istanbul since 2012.
Iran The Persian Qajar dynasty ousted in 1925, sought refuge in Dallas. Their successors, the Pahlavis, were in turn ousted during the 1979 revolution and is currently based in Potomac, Maryland.
Guinea Technically legal but persecuted by the sitting dictatorship, the progress party of equatorial guinea claims election victory but operates from Madrid for its own safety.
Ethiopia The Selassie dynasty, ousted by communists in 1974, has claimed the throne of Ethiopia from Washington DC since 1993.
Turkestan In 2004, the East Turkestan independence movement proclaimed a government in exile in Washington DC.
Korea The Seoul government maintains official positions for the five northern provinces lost in 1949.
Tibet Initially allowed symbolic roles under Chinese rule, the Tibetan government was forced to flee after a 1959 uprising and has since operated from Dharamsala, India.
Taiwan The national people’s congress in Beijing still includes a delegation from Taiwan province.
Laos Deposed by communist rebels in 1975, the Royal Lao government was proclaimed in Gresham, Oregon in 2003.
South Moluccas Defeated in 1963, South Moluccas secessionists relocated to the Netherlands and operate a government in exile.
Pakistan After their defeat in 2001, the Taliban relocated and continue to orchestrate the insurgency from Quetta, Pakistan.
Recent Governments in Exile (2018-2024)
Since 2018, several new governments in exile have emerged in response to ongoing conflicts and political crises. These include:
Government of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea: This government operates from Kyiv, representing the Ukrainian territory of Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014.
Third Republic of Vietnam: Transitioned in 2018 from the Provisional National Government of Vietnam, it is headquartered in Orange County, California, and represents former South Vietnamese soldiers and refugees.
Tigray Regional Government: Established amid the Ethiopian military offensive in Tigray in November 2020, this government in exile aims to restore regional autonomy and address Tigrayan grievances.
Southern Transitional Council (STC): Though part of a power-sharing agreement with the Yemeni government, the STC continues to advocate for the independence of South Yemen, gaining prominence after capturing Aden in 2019.
Canada is American Democracy in exile.