Whistleblowers: Honesty in America from Washington to Trump

Whistleblowing has been an important tool for holding powerful elites accountable in America, from the Revolutionary War to the Trump era. This episodic history reveals how it has become more difficult to expose misconduct with changing technology and militarization, but American freedom depends on it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

A magisterial exploration of whistleblowing in America, spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Trump era, is presented in this comprehensive and engaging work. Authored by Jill Lepore, a renowned journalist and author, the book delves into the complex and often perilous realm of exposing misconduct by those in positions of power.

Whistleblowers, as courageous individuals, face a dichotomy of motivations. On the one hand, they fulfill a vital public duty by challenging and exposing transgressions by the powerful. However, they invariably endure consequences for their actions. This episodic history sheds light on the significance of whistleblowing as an overlooked cousin of civil disobedience, playing a crucial role in holding powerful elites accountable in America.

Through a meticulous analysis of a diverse range of whistleblowing episodes, the book explores the enduring relevance of whistleblowing to the health of American democracy. It examines historical cases such as the corrupt Revolutionary War commodore Esek Hopkins, whose dismissal in 1778 resulted in the enactment of the first whistleblower protection law. It also delves into contemporary examples, including Edward Snowden's revelations about government surveillance and the dishonesty of Donald Trump.

Allison Stanger, the author, highlights the centrality of whistleblowing to the democratic functioning of a society. She emphasizes that with evolving technology and increasing militarization, exposing misconduct has become increasingly challenging and personally costly for those who dare to speak out. Nevertheless, the author asserts that American freedom, particularly in the present context, remains contingent upon the willingness of individuals to expose wrongdoing.

This thought-provoking book serves as a timely reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the defense of democratic values. It encourages readers to reflect on the role of whistleblowers in shaping history and advocating for a more just and equitable society. Through its comprehensive analysis and compelling storytelling, "Whistleblowing in America" emerges as a valuable contribution to the literature on governance, policy, and the pursuit of truth.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 147 x 227 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300258547