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The “Game†of Torture

Author

Listed:
  • Leonard Wantchekon

    (Department of Political Science and Economic Growth Center, Yale University)

  • Andrew Healy

    (Yale University)

Abstract

The authors explain the prevalence of torture by modeling its institutional structure as a game of incomplete information involving the state, the torturer, and the victim. Once the state endorses torture as a mechanism for extracting information, its will is carried out with positive probability. This is because (a) even a “soft†and “sensitive†state agent might torture the victim to test his or her ability to resist and (b) a weak victim might hold out momentarily to find out whether the torturer is sensitive or “sadistic.†When the state uses torture to intimidate political opposition, all types of torturers will behave sadistically. As a result, torture becomes more widespread and more cruel. The authors explain why a “culture†of individual resistance is the only effective solution to torture.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonard Wantchekon & Andrew Healy, 1999. "The “Game†of Torture," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 43(5), pages 596-609, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:43:y:1999:i:5:p:596-609
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002799043005003
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    Cited by:

    1. Adam S. Chilton & Mila Versteeg, 2015. "The Failure of Constitutional Torture Prohibitions," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 44(2), pages 417-452.
    2. Pavel Yakovlev, 2011. "The Economics of Torture," Chapters, in: Christopher J. Coyne & Rachel L. Mathers (ed.), The Handbook on the Political Economy of War, chapter 7, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Michael Evgenievich Kosov & Ravil Gabdullaevich Akhmadeev & Vladimir Mikhailovich Smirnov & Sergey Yuryevich Popkov & Inna Nikolaevna Rycova, 2017. "Hydrocarbon Market in Countries with Developing Economy: Development Scenario," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 7(6), pages 128-135.

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