Agent of influence

The term agent of influence is a pejorative description of persons whose speech or activity is seen as being in the interests of a foreign power, and in some way directed by that power. According to Angelo Codevilla, the work of an agent of influence "can be far more valuable, subtle, and dangerous than that of a mere spy".^[1]

In the US, activities on behalf of foreign power are covered by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) enacted in 1938, and 22 U.S.Code § 611 et seq.^[2] However, the term is used more broadly to apply to political sympathisers of the country in question, otherwise referred to as "fellow travellers" or accused of having "dual loyalties".