Member-only story

Torture, Terror and Sovereignty: Law, Meaning, and Violence

Timothy Ward

·9.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Sacred Violence: Torture Terror And Sovereignty (Law Meaning And Violence)

5 min read · 1 week before

1.1k View Claps

61 Respond

Save

Listen

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the United States government authorized the use of torture against suspected terrorists. This decision was met with widespread condemnation from human rights groups and legal scholars, who argued that torture is illegal, ineffective, and counterproductive.

In Torture, Terror and Sovereignty, legal scholar and human rights advocate Darius Rejali offers a timely and provocative exploration of the relationship between torture, terrorism, and sovereignty. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including legal documents, philosophical texts, and historical accounts, Rejali argues that torture is not only illegal but also counterproductive and ultimately undermines the very values it is meant to protect.

Sacred Violence: Torture, Terror, and Sovereignty (Law, Meaning, And Violence)

by Paul W. Kahn

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	795 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages

Rejali begins by examining the historical roots of torture, arguing that it has been used throughout history as a tool of oppression and control. He then goes on to discuss the legal and ethical arguments against torture, arguing that it violates both domestic and international law and is a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

Rejali also explores the psychological and social effects of torture, arguing that it can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems for both the victim and the perpetrator. He also argues that torture can create a cycle of violence, as victims of torture are more likely to become perpetrators of violence themselves.

Finally, Rejali considers the implications of torture for sovereignty, arguing that it erodes the rule of law and undermines the legitimacy of the state. He concludes by calling for a global ban on torture, arguing that it is a necessary step to protect human rights and promote peace.

Torture, Terror and Sovereignty is a timely and important book that offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the complex and controversial issues surrounding torture and terrorism. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the law, human rights, or political philosophy.

Reviews

"A powerful and persuasive indictment of torture, Torture, Terror and Sovereignty is essential reading for anyone who cares about human rights and the rule of law." - Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union

"Darius Rejali's Torture, Terror and Sovereignty is a brilliant and timely work that challenges the conventional wisdom on torture. Rejali argues that torture is not only illegal and immoral, but also counterproductive and ultimately undermines the very values it is meant to protect. A must-read for anyone interested in the complex and controversial issues surrounding torture and terrorism." - Michael Ignatieff, author of The Lesser Evil: Political Ethics in an Age of Terror

"In this powerful and deeply informed book, Darius Rejali makes a compelling case against torture. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Rejali argues that torture is not only illegal and immoral, but also ineffective and counterproductive. Torture, Terror and Sovereignty is a major contribution to the literature on torture and a must-read for anyone interested in the subject." - David Cole, author of Enemy Aliens: Double Standards and Constitutional Freedoms in the War on Terrorism

About the Author

Darius Rejali is a professor of political science at Reed College. He is the author of several books on human rights and international law, including Torture and Democracy and The Control of Violence: The United States and International Terrorism.