The Sovereign Individualist: Political Obligation and the Condition of Justice

This thesis explores the philosophical legitimacy of the claim to political autonomy made by so-called sovereign individualists: individuals who reject the authority of the state and believe they are not morally obligated to obey its laws. While often dismissed as conspiracy theorists or extremists, these individuals articulate a principled form of dissent that has yet to be meaningfully addressed within political philosophy. The thesis argues that existing normative frameworks, particularly theories of civil disobedience and secession, are inadequate for interpreting sovereign individualist claims. Civil disobedience theories presume a shared sense of justice and societal membership, which sovereign individualists explicitly reject. Likewise, secessionist theories rely on collective identity, territorial claims, and the formation of new states; criteria that do not apply to individuals seeking personal political independence. By analysing how sovereign individualism challenges...Show moreThis thesis explores the philosophical legitimacy of the claim to political autonomy made by so-called sovereign individualists: individuals who reject the authority of the state and believe they are not morally obligated to obey its laws. While often dismissed as conspiracy theorists or extremists, these individuals articulate a principled form of dissent that has yet to be meaningfully addressed within political philosophy. The thesis argues that existing normative frameworks, particularly theories of civil disobedience and secession, are inadequate for interpreting sovereign individualist claims. Civil disobedience theories presume a shared sense of justice and societal membership, which sovereign individualists explicitly reject. Likewise, secessionist theories rely on collective identity, territorial claims, and the formation of new states; criteria that do not apply to individuals seeking personal political independence. By analysing how sovereign individualism challenges foundational assumptions about political obligation and justice, this thesis reveals a conceptual gap in the philosophical literature. Current theories contain normative assumptions about justice and social belonging that exclude alternative forms of autonomy by default. The central conclusion is that sovereign individualism cannot be fairly assessed using existing theories. Instead, its rise demands new philosophical tools capable of evaluating political disobedience that does not fit the traditional liberal or democratic paradigms. Recognizing this gap is essential for a fuller understanding of political legitimacy, personal autonomy, and the moral boundaries of state authority.Show less

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The Sovereign Individualist: Political Obligation and the Condition of Justice