Our Take

Some People Need Killing stands as one of the most important works of contemporary investigative journalism, combining the immediacy of frontline reporting with the analytical depth of historical documentation. Evangelista's courage in covering such dangerous and politically sensitive material is evident on every page, but what makes this book exceptional is her ability to maintain both journalistic objectivity and deep humanity while documenting systematic violence. Her prose is clear and unflinching without being sensationalistic, allowing the facts to speak for themselves while providing crucial context for understanding how democratic institutions can be systematically dismantled. The book's exploration of how authoritarian populism operates in practice echoes the urgent concerns found in The Jakarta Method by Vincent Bevins and How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, but with the immediacy of lived experience and frontline reporting. Evangelista's perspective as a Filipino journalist provides crucial insider knowledge that international observers often lack, making this an essential primary source for understanding one of the most significant political developments in Southeast Asia. Perfect for readers interested in contemporary politics, human rights, and the role of journalism in documenting authoritarian overreach. This book is vital reading for anyone seeking to understand how quickly democratic norms can erode and the human cost of political violence.