Cold War in Psychiatry

Robert van Voren (1959), a Sovietologist by education, has been a human rights activist since 1977 with a special interest in mental health issues. He is Chief Executive of the Global Initiative on Psychiatry (GIP) and has written extensively on Soviet issues and, in particular, issues related to mental health and human rights, and published a dozen books. His memoirs, On Dissidents and Madness, were published by Rodopi in 2009.

"this is a highly detailed account of a still incompletely understood chapter in Cold war and psychiatric history. As such it should be of interest to scholars working on those topics." – in: The Russian Review 70/4 (October 2011)"The use of psychiatry to silence political dissenters was undoubtedly one of the most pernicious sides of the Soviet regime. No wonder that the leaders of perestroika believed that stopping this criminal practice was one of the most urgent priorities. Robert van Voren’s book is the very first full investigation of this problem. I highly recommend this book." – Anatoly Adamishin, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR"Robert van Voren writes history in an innovative, effective, and vivid way. He weaves into the story of Western responses to the abuse of psychiatry in the USSR his probingly personal interviews with key players. Apart from presenting a skillfully interwoven succession of personal and institutional dramas, this book will also be valuable to students of the varied ways in which international professional bodies succeed or fail at upholding ethical standards of behavior by their members. In sum, this fast-paced and readable book combines the fruits of painstaking archival research with episodes of high-voltage human interest. It’s hard to put down." – Peter Reddaway, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, George Washington University

• Leonidas Donskis: Foreword IntroductionPart 1: Setting the StageMeeting Mel SabshinMelvin Sabshin’s RootsFrom Russia to the Statue of LibertyMeeting Jochen NeumannGrowing up in Post-War GermanyShaken FoundationsPolitical Turmoil at Tulane UniversityThe Formation of a CommunistPart 2: The Curtain OpensOrigins of Soviet Political PsychiatryMeeting Ellen MercerThe Shield and Sword of the PartyOpposition at Home and AbroadA Secret ActorThe End of the Working CommissionPart 3: Act OneThe WPA Becomes Involved 1977-1983The Soviets Leave the WPAAnother Hidden FactorMeeting Costas StefanisSoviet ActorsSecret Negotiations?A Professional Career with Political HurdlesReporting for the DDR LeadershipPart 4: Act TwoPower Struggle in MoscowPolitical Changes at HomeIrritation, Admiration and DisenchantmentPsychiatric Abuse and East-West PoliticsThe US Visit to the USSRGranadaPart 5: The Final ActAthensPart 6: The Curtains CloseAftermathSiegerjustiz and its consequencesVictors and LosersPart 7: ConclusionLessons Learned. Any Lessons Learned?Post ScriptumList of AbbreviationsBibliographyIndex of NamesIndex of Subjects