Abstract
From rebel groups to state authorities, political actors take extreme measures to ensure the loyalty of their subjects. Those who are labeled as defectors or 'traitors' may be ostracized, imprisoned, tortured or killed. Starting from the observation that what constitutes defection is socially constructed, this paper investigates perceptions of what constitutes treason or disloyalty in the former German Democratic Republic and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Based on preliminary evidence from archival documents and interviews, I describe how every-day behaviors are perceived as allegiance to one political authority over another. I show (1) how threat perceptions narrow the range of acceptable behaviors, (2) how popular perceptions about social deviance may affect the targets of labeling and punishment for disloyalty, and (3) how this leads to the victimization of those at the margins of society, as well as widespread attempts to hide unacceptable behavior. I argue that while East Germany and Palestine are vastly different contexts, there are significant parallels between practices of Israeli and GDR security agencies and the political orders they create.