Political Surplus of Whistleblowing: A Case Study

This article discusses the social, legal, and political value of whistleblowing. This article discusses 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. The author argues that whistleblowing is a practice and tool of high political value in Western democracies and civil societies. The author 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.