Fifth column

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A fifth column is any group of people who undermine a larger group or nation from within, usually in favour of an enemy group or another nation.

According to Harris Mylonas and Scott Radnitz, "fifth columns" are "domestic actors who work to undermine the national interest, in cooperation with external rivals of the state". The activities of a fifth column can be overt or clandestine. Forces gathered in secret can mobilise openly to assist an external attack. This term is also extended to organised actions by military personnel.

Clandestine fifth column activities can involve acts of sabotage, disinformation, espionage, and/or terrorism executed within defence lines by secret sympathisers with an external force.

References

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