Blowback: meaning, definitions and examples
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blowback
[ bloʊbæk ]
political context
Blowback refers to the unintended adverse results of a covert operation or intervention, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. It often represents the backlash or negative consequences that may arise in a situation where a government or organization intervenes in another country’s affairs without proper foresight.
Synonyms
backlash, consequences, repercussions.
Examples of usage
- The military's action in the region led to significant blowback.
- Their intervention had severe blowback on international relations.
- The assassination caused major blowback for the agency responsible.
Translations
Translations of the word "blowback" in other languages:
🇵🇹 repercussão
🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रिया
🇩🇪 Rückstoß
🇮🇩 dampak balik
🇺🇦 віддача
🇵🇱 odwrotna reakcja
🇯🇵 反動
🇫🇷 retour de flamme
🇪🇸 retroceso
🇹🇷 geri tepme
🇰🇷 반동
🇸🇦 ارتداد
🇨🇿 zpětná vazba
🇸🇰 spätná väzba
🇨🇳 反作用
🇸🇮 nazadna reakcija
🇮🇸 afturverkun
🇰🇿 кері әсер
🇬🇪 უკუკავშირი
🇦🇿 geriyə təsir
🇲🇽 retroceso
Etymology
The term 'blowback' originated in the field of intelligence and foreign affairs, particularly during the Cold War. It was first used by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the 1950s to describe the unintended consequences of covert operations overseas. The word itself suggests the idea of an explosion or a sudden, violent reaction returning to the source—akin to the recoil of a gun. Over the years, 'blowback' has transcended its original context and is now commonly used in political discourse to denote any situation where actions taken by a government or organization yield unintended and often undesirable results. The term gained popularity in the wake of several high-profile international incidents and has become a critical concept in discussions about foreign policy and military strategy.