In his new book, William Scheuerman systematically analyzes the most important interpretations of civil
disobedience. Drawing out the striking differences separating religious, liberal, radical democratic, and
anarchist views, he nonetheless shows that core commonalities remain. Against those who water down
the idea of civil disobedience or view it as obsolescent, Scheuerman tries to salvage its central elements.
The concept of civil disobedience, he argues, remains a pivotal tool for anyone hoping to bring about
political and social change.
Scheuerman’s book (Polity Press, 2018) will be critically discussed by Maeve Cooke (University of Dublin,
Ireland) and Jeffrey Isaac (Indiana University). Scheuerman will then respond.
