Soviet and Russian Diplomatic Expulsions: How Many and Why?

Between 1946 and 1991, over 1,500 Soviet officials-mostly intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover-were expelled from diplomatic and other government representations around the world. Expulsions often involved single or small groups of officials, but occasionally occurred en masse. Countries chose to expel Soviet officials for four reasons: in reaction to anti-Soviet regime changes and political reversals, in retaliation for Soviet covert activities and political manipulation, in reaction to Soviet intelligence officer defectors and intelligence obtained from penetrations of Soviet intelligence services, and, most frequently, in retaliation for espionage. Recent expulsions are modern adaptations of a method that was common during the Cold War with commonalities of purpose, but some variations, especially in scale and level of international cooperation.

Automated summary

Between 1946 and 1991, over 1,500 Soviet officials, mostly intelligence officers under diplomatic cover, were expelled worldwide. The reasons for these expulsions include reactions to political changes, retaliation for covert activities, response to defectors and intelligence obtained through penetrations, and most commonly, retaliation for espionage. Recent expulsions are adaptations of Cold War methods, with some variations in scale and international cooperation.