A "defector" is a person who abandons their country or group to join another, often for political reasons. This act can involve leaving a regime that is oppressive or authoritarian, seeking freedom or better opportunities elsewhere. Defectors may face significant risks, including persecution or punishment if they return to their original country. Defectors are often associated with political movements or conflicts, such as those seen in Cold War scenarios where individuals fled from Eastern Bloc countries to Western nations. Their stories can highlight the struggles for human rights and the desire for personal freedom in the face of oppressive systems.