7 global leaders who used body doubles to avoid dangerous, or uncomfortable, situations

The promotional card for Clifton James' production, "I was Monty's double."LMPC/ Getty Images

• Political decoys are sometimes used by world leaders to avoid dangerous situations.
• They serve to protect the individual and confuse the enemy.

Throughout history, world leaders have used political decoys and body doubles to ensure their own safety.

A decoy will often copy the mannerisms and sometimes the speech patterns of the person they are imitating. Occasionally, decoys will receive plastic surgery to make their likeness more convincing. Often, political figures will have multiple decoys to ensure their safety.

When the decoys are excellent, they create confusion and conspiracy.

Here are eight global figures who have utilized political decoys to evade pursuit and maintain an image of health.