An agent provocateur is a person who acts as a SPY or RINGLEADER to incite or provoke illegal activities, often for political or military gain. The term 'agent provocateur' is French for 'inciting agent' and is used to describe a person who deliberately stirs up trouble in order to achieve a desired outcome. The role of an agent provocateur is to create chaos and disruption in order to influence the behavior of others. They may also be used to gather intelligence or to discredit an individual or organization.