Acting, or according to your context merely &quot;betting&quot; against an adversary is fine, but this assumes the capacity to act against an adversary, and that the actions taken will be big enough to have an effect.<p>You can&#x27;t realistically take actions against a belligerent force that has an overwhelming capacity to watch your every action and imprison or execute you. You can&#x27;t take actions against forces that exist outside a legal framework and the juridictions you are subject to.<p>Placing bets is not taking direct action. It means sitting on the sidelines, and hoping that legal mechanisms take their natural course in a civilized society.