The power of nothing to lose: the Hail Mary effect in politics, war, and business

Part I. Introduction: Downside protection

Part II. Risky confrontations: Lame-duck U.S. presidents ; Pardon me ; Asylum seekers ; Rosa Parks ; Medical crises and pandemics

Part III. Man-made disasters: Rogue traders ; Adolf Hitler and the Battle of the Bulge

Part IV. Something to lose: Prison violence ; Mohamed Atta and suicide terrorists

Part V. Getting personal: Freedom to succeed.