Quisling

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Quisling, after Norwegian fascist politician Vidkun Quisling, is a term used to describe traitors and collaborationists. It was most commonly used for fascist political parties and military and paramilitary forces in occupied Allied countries which collaborated with Axis occupiers in World War II Europe, as well as for their members and other collaborators.

In John Steinbeck's novel/play "The Moon Is Down", written for the OSS as propaganda to encourage resistance efforts and underground movements, the Quisling was a collaborator betraying his countrymen.

In contemporary usage, "Quisling" is synonymous with "traitor", and particularly applied to politicians who appear to favor the interests of other nations or cultures over their own. In many languages, including British English, it is the equivalent of the American phrase Benedict Arnold.

[edit] Europe in World War II

Quisling forces were formed in most occupied European countries. They were used by the Axis to control the local population and free German forces for major military operations against Allies. However, as they were unpopular, German forces had to stay behind anyway.

European Quisling organizations of World War II included: