Rebels with a Cause: Famous Dissenters and Why They Are Not Being Heard

• The book begins with the democratic principle that freedom of expression and tolerance of differing viewpoints are essential to an open society. Ram Mohan then looks at real-world examples of prominent dissenters whose views have generated controversy and resistance.

  Through their lives and ideas, the author argues that disagreement should lead to discussion and debate rather than marginalization. The book questions the tendency of dominant institutions and elites to silence or ostracize voices that threaten established ways of thinking.

• T. T. Ram Mohan is a professor of finance and economics at IIM Ahmedabad. He studied at IIT Bombay and IIM Calcutta and earned his doctorate from the Stern School of Business, New York University. He has worked as a management consultant, banker, investment banker and financial journalist, and has written extensively on banking reforms, privatization and corporate governance.

Rebels with a Cause explores why dissent remains difficult even in societies that officially value freedom of expression. Ram Mohan examines the experiences and ideas of seven prominent figures—Arundhati Roy, Oliver Stone, Kancha Ilaiah, David Irving, Yanis Varoufakis, U. G. Krishnamurti and John Pilger.

Rather than asking readers to agree with these individuals, the book argues that controversial opinions deserve to be heard, examined and debated. By studying the reactions these dissenters have faced, Ram Mohan highlights the tension between democratic ideals and the social and political pressures that discourage unconventional viewpoints.