How does an individual act of suicide become politically or socially significant? Does it depend upon the original intent, or does the influence of the act depend upon how it is discussed and shaped in the public imagination afterward? To answer these questions, Usurping Suicide takes a unique look at the political and cultural implications of suicides committed in places where, due to social or economic pressures, suicide has become an issue of significant public interest.

Looking closely at specific acts of suicide that bore wider political resonance, such as Mohamed Bouazizi's...

How does an individual act of suicide become politically or socially significant? Does it depend upon the original intent, or does the influence of the act depend upon how it is discussed and shaped in the public imagination afterward? To answer these questions, Usurping Suicide takes a unique look at the political and cultural implications of suicides committed in places where, due to social or economic pressures, suicide has become an issue of significant public interest.

Looking closely at specific acts of suicide that bore wider political resonance, such as Mohamed Bouazizi's...