When All Else Fails: The Ethics of Resistance to State Injustice

We have the right to resist unjust government through acts of "uncivil disobedience" when governments violate our rights, such as resisting arrest, disobey orders, sabotaging government property, revealing classified information, deceiving voters, and using force to defend ourselves or others. This challenge to long-held beliefs about how citizens may respond when government officials act unjustly or abuse their power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

For centuries, the notion has prevailed that we must tolerate the actions of the government and its representatives without question, regardless of their behavior. While we have the means to express our grievances, protest, file lawsuits, or vote out officials, we are prohibited from engaging in direct resistance. However, in his book "When All Else Fails," Jason Brennan presents a compelling argument that we possess the right to resort to acts of "uncivil disobedience" when our rights are violated by the government.

We may resist being arrested for violating unjust laws. We may disregard orders, sabotage government property, or divulge classified information. We may deceive voters who are ignorant, irrational, or malicious. We may even resort to force to defend ourselves or others.

The outcome of such actions is a direct challenge to the long-standing beliefs regarding how citizens should respond when government officials act unjustly or abuse their power. It encourages us to consider alternative avenues for asserting our rights and holding those in power accountable.

While the concept of resisting unjust government may be controversial, it is important to remember that our democratic societies are built on the principles of freedom and justice. When the government fails to uphold these values, we have a responsibility to act and speak out against it. By doing so, we can help to ensure that our rights are protected and that our government remains accountable to the people it serves.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691211503