noun a clandestine or subversive group that works within a larger organization or country to undermine its operations or goals
In politics, the term fifth column can be used to describe individuals or organizations who work against their own country's interests in support of a foreign power.
In military strategy, a fifth column refers to a group of people who clandestinely work within a country to undermine its government or military forces from within.
In social movements, the concept of a fifth column can be applied to individuals or groups who pretend to support a cause while actually working to undermine it from within.
In espionage, a fifth column can refer to spies or operatives who infiltrate a target country to gather intelligence or carry out covert operations.
In media and journalism, the term fifth column may be used metaphorically to describe biased or subversive elements within the industry that work to manipulate public opinion.
In literature and journalism, 'fifth column' is often used to describe a group of people who work secretly within a country to undermine its government or military forces.
Psychologists may use the term 'fifth column' to refer to individuals who may be experiencing conflicting loyalties or hidden agendas.
Historians may use 'fifth column' to describe instances of espionage or sabotage within a country during times of war.
Political scientists may use 'fifth column' to analyze the impact of internal subversion on a nation's stability.
Military strategists may refer to 'fifth column' when discussing potential threats from enemy agents operating within their own ranks.
Intelligence analysts may use 'fifth column' to assess the presence and activities of covert operatives working against their own country.
Law enforcement officers may use 'fifth column' to describe individuals or groups engaged in subversive activities that pose a threat to national security.