{
  "schema": "builttoresist.answer-page.v1",
  "version": "0.57.0",
  "updated": "2026-10-03",
  "id": "what-is-elite-defection",
  "question": "What is elite defection?",
  "short_answer": "Elite defection means consequential withdrawal of institutional support—such as resignations, legislative defections, refusal to implement policy, or withdrawal of material cooperation—not criticism or symbolic distance alone.",
  "answer_url": "https://builttoresist.com/answers/what-is-elite-defection/",
  "primary_analysis_url": "https://builttoresist.com/mechanisms/elite-defection/",
  "source_section_urls": [
    "https://builttoresist.com/library/reports/mass-nonviolent-paralysis-and-political-transition-in-the-united-states/#crisis-model-warning-indicators-and-capacity-metrics",
    "https://builttoresist.com/library/reports/executive-self-coup-or-gradual-internal-institutional-capture-u-s-institutional-resilience-assessment/#resilience-failure-mechanisms-and-warning-indicators",
    "https://builttoresist.com/library/reports/security-sector-command-fracture-in-a-u-s-constitutional-crisis-cohesion-lawful-authority-and-sovereignty-risk/#senior-command-resignations",
    "https://builttoresist.com/library/reports/contested-succession-and-dual-claims-to-lawful-federal-authority/#institutional-recognition-map"
  ],
  "related_urls": [
    "https://builttoresist.com/mechanisms/elite-defection/",
    "https://builttoresist.com/institutions/business/"
  ],
  "evidence_boundary": "Synthesis of the supplied report corpus; current-sensitive legal/institutional facts require re-verification.",
  "citation_text": "Built To Resist Research Desk. “What is elite defection?” Built To Resist. Reviewed 2026-10-03. https://builttoresist.com/answers/what-is-elite-defection/",
  "site_release": "0.57.0"
}