Political surplus of whistleblowing: a case study

摘要

This paper presents a case study where the whistleblower, after going through a process of politicization, went beyond disclosure and set out on a course of action intended to obtain a broader public benefit. The claim is that in going beyond the act of disclosure, the whistleblower generates political surplus value, which reveals the essential meaning of whistleblowing. Whistleblowing is a practice of high political value, by being an act of personal autonomy by ordinary citizens who spurn debased norms and refuse to collaborate with them. It is a tool that can be used by individuals living and working in Western democracies, and also by groups acting within the sphere of civil society. The paper finally argues that, despite the growing recognition in Western democracies of the great value of whistleblowing to society, it still lacks the requisite social, legal and political legitimization.