6. Conclusions and Reflections

This chapter starts with a summary of the main arguments and findings as well as some reflections on ethical aspects on subversive action. In discussing future research needs, it is argued that we should develop a new political institutionalism, based on systematic empirical research on subversion in combination with other micro-mechanisms behind institutional change and continuity. It is a difficult challenge to study something that is not meant to be known, but we can draw on insights from whistleblowing research and previous case studies. A fruitful empirical strategy is to work from three different starting points: observed institutional change (backward mapping), critical cases with strong value conflicts, and whistleblowing activities. Mixed methods and materials are necessary to capture the complexity of political agency.