The Torturer's Dilemma: Analyzing the Logic of Torture for Information
The Torturer's Dilemma: Analyzing the Logic of Torture for Information
The Torturer's Dilemma: Analyzing the Logic of Torture for Information
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units, those engaged in <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> torture were drawn from civilian life with minimal<br />
indoctrination. I expect that <strong>the</strong> less <strong>the</strong> incentives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> torturers reflect <strong>the</strong> institutional incentives <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> authorities, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> potential <strong>for</strong> torture to devolve into a deceptive cycle.<br />
<strong>The</strong> outcomes can be <strong>the</strong>oretically divided along a continuum in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
deceptive cycle that resulted from <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> torture. At one end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spectrum, we can imagine a<br />
situation in which <strong>the</strong> state is able to ga<strong>the</strong>r good in<strong>for</strong>mation that leads to better in<strong>for</strong>mation over time,<br />
or at <strong>the</strong> very least does not degenerate into a 'witch hunt.' At <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>re lurks <strong>the</strong> deceptive cycle,<br />
where bad in<strong>for</strong>mation actively drives out <strong>the</strong> good. I expect <strong>the</strong> following results. <strong>The</strong> cycle should<br />
be weakest where <strong>the</strong> state faces an actual conspiracy with reliable agents in a strong in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
environment – that is, one that most closely approximates <strong>the</strong> intelligence ga<strong>the</strong>ring capabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
modern state's ability to 'discipline' in <strong>the</strong> Foucaultian sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> term. Conversely, <strong>the</strong> cycle should<br />
be strongest when a state with little ability to empirically verify in<strong>for</strong>mation obtained through<br />
unreliable agents confronts a non-existent (or pr<strong>of</strong>oundly misunderstood) threat. Where only one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se conditions holds (e.g., an in<strong>for</strong>med state confronts an unreal opponent), I expect <strong>the</strong> cycle to exist<br />
in a more attenuated <strong>for</strong>m – i.e., <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> innocents swept up does not explode as quickly, and/or<br />
<strong>the</strong> cycle is brought more swiftly to a close.<br />
Table 1: Relationship between Independent Variables and <strong>the</strong> Deceptive Cycle<br />
Independent Variables<br />
(Outcome)<br />
Strong In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
Environment + Reliable<br />
Agents<br />
Strong In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
Environment +<br />
Unreliable Agents<br />
Weak In<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
Environment + Reliable<br />
Agents<br />
Conspiracy Real/<br />
State's Priors Correct<br />
USA/CIA<br />
(weakest cycle)<br />
French in Algeria<br />
Conspiracy Unreal/<br />
State's Priors Incorrect<br />
FLN in Algeria<br />
(medium cycle)<br />
(weak cycle) (medium cycle)<br />
USA in Iraq<br />
(weak/medium cycle)<br />
34<br />
Salem Witch Trials<br />
(medium/strong cycle)