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

Why you have the right to resist unjust government

For centuries, almost everyone has believed that we must allow the government and its representatives to act without interference, no matter how they behave. We may complain, protest, sue, or vote officials out, but we can’t fight back. But in When All Else Fails, Jason Brennan argues that we have every right to react with acts of ‘uncivil disobedience’ when governments violate our rights. We may resist arrest for violation of unjust laws. We may disobey orders, sabotage government property, or reveal classified information. We may deceive ignorant, irrational, or malicious voters. We may even use force to defend ourselves or others. The result is a provocative challenge to long-held beliefs about how citizens may respond when government officials act unjustly or abuse their power.

‘One of our most provocative philosophers argues that if we can use force to stop others from hurting people unjustly, we can also use force to stop the government from hurting people unjustly.’ - Stephen L. Carter, Bloomberg Opinion

‘This book is essential reading…It should stimulate a debate that we need to have.’ - Lisa Mckenzie, Times Higher Education

‘Provocative and entertaining…When All Else Fails argues persuasively that even if a government agent or official is part of a popularly elected democratic regime, this doesn’t magically confer immunity from defensive action when the agent or official engages in unjust, immoral actions.’ - Matthew Harwood, Reason