Soviet and Russian Diplomatic Expulsions: How Many and Why?
Journal: International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence
Year: 2023

, 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 int