Dr. Ron Hassner

Biography

Ron Hassner is a Chancellor's Professor and holds the Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. His research interests focus on the intersection of religion and conflict, particularly how ideas, practices, and symbols shape international security dynamics. He has authored significant works such as 'Anatomy of Torture' (Cornell University Press, 2022), which examines the causes and effects of interrogation practices through historical contexts including the Spanish Inquisition. His other notable publications include 'Religion on the Battlefield' (Cornell University Press, 2016) and 'War on Sacred Grounds' (Cornell University Press, 2009), both addressing the roles of religious beliefs in military decision-making and conflicts over sacred sites. In addition to his academic writings, Hassner serves as the faculty director of the Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies and has received several awards for his teaching excellence.

Research Interests