Introduction
PART ONE: THE PHENOMENON OF TORTURE
Chapter 1: Torture: what is it? A definition of the field of inquiry
Chapter 2: Torturous societies
Chapter 3: Social actors of torture
PART TWO: A PSYCHOANALYTIC UNDERSTANDING OF TORTURE
Chapter 4: Paradoxical Multiple Self States and Monolithic Self States: Destinies of the Reflective Triangle
Chapter 5: The emotional life of torturous societies: Monolithic Societal States
Chapter 6: The Splintered Reflective Triangle in bystanders, perpetrators and victims of torture
PART THREE: IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Chapter 7: The permissibility of torture
Chapter 8: Three fields of application in human rights: responsibility of perpetrators, reparation of victims and the problem of truth
Biography
Monica Luci, PhD, is an analytical psychologist and relational psychoanalyst, with extensive experience in the psycho-social assistance and psychotherapeutic work with asylum seekers and refugee survivors of torture. On the topics of survivors of torture and post-traumatic states in psychological assessment, psychotherapy and research, she has contributed to a number of international conferences and taught in several professional and academic contexts. She is also an author, translator and editor of publications on the themes of trauma, collective violence, cultural studies, transcultural psychology, sexuality and ethical issues.
‘The strengths of this book are subtle and important. It provides a unique and innovative approach to a painful and topical problem. It creates a new methodological framework combining psychoanalysis and human rights, within the context of the actual realities of working with those who were tortured. It is for these reasons that it represents a substantial contribution to the field. Strongly recommended both to specialists and general readers.’ – Renos K. Papadopoulos, PhD, Professor and Director, Centre for Trauma, Asylum and Refugees, University of Essex, UK
‘A striking and original integration of several fields. Monica Luci’s experience, knowledge and vision enable her to locate torture at all points along a line ranging from a vicious, corrupt and oppressive societal phenomenon to clinical work with victims. Hence the book will deeply interest a plurality of readers, ranging from specialists in human rights to therapists of all schools who need guidance and inspiration in this area.’– Andrew Samuels, former Chair, UK Council for Psychotherapy and Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex
'Monica Luci has written a brilliant and searing book. It is deep and wide reaching, with great courage and fortitude as a writer and thinker, she considers the catastrophic experience of torture: the "what" and the "why" and the "how" of torture. Luci explores what arguably is the most toxic threat to democratic process and civilized society. Among the many heartbreaking conclusions her book arrives at is the terrible destruction of subjectivity that is the aim and outcome of torture. Luci has undertaken, and very clearly achieved, an in-depth exploration of how deeply we can benefit from a psychoanalytic (and social and moral) examination of torture, of torture-driven social formations and of the conditions of social and economic vulnerability which make any group vulnerable to becoming torturers.’ – Adrienne Harris, PhD, Sandor Ferenczi Center, The New School, USA
