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The ‘October Surprise’: How Can World Events Be Used to Win an Election?

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The ‘October Surprise’: How Can World Events Be Used to Win an Election?
Voters cast ballots at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax, Va., on Nov. 2, 2021. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Guermantes Lailari
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Commentary

The phrase “October Surprise” refers to an unanticipated event prior to U.S. national elections that may affect the election’s outcome.

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Guermantes Lailari
Guermantes Lailari
Author
Guermantes Lailari is a retired U.S. Air Force Foreign Area officer specializing in counterterrorism, irregular warfare, and missile defense. He holds advanced degrees in international relations and strategic intelligence. He was a Taiwan fellow in Taipei during 2022 and is a visiting researcher at National Chengchi University in 2023.
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