📖 Overview
Joshua Phillips is an investigative journalist and author known for his work exposing human rights issues in China and broader Asia. His most prominent book "None of Us Were Like This Before" (2010) examines the impact of torture and detainee abuse on both victims and perpetrators during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a journalist, Phillips has reported for major outlets including The Washington Post, Newsweek, and Foreign Policy. His investigative work focuses particularly on human rights violations, military affairs, and the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
Phillips has testified before Congress about torture practices and detention policies, contributing to policy discussions around military conduct and human rights. He serves as a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and has been awarded several fellowships including from the Open Society Foundation.
The research for his books and articles involves extensive firsthand interviews with military personnel, detainees, and other key sources, often conducted over multiple years. His work combines investigative reporting with examination of institutional and psychological factors that contribute to human rights abuses.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Phillips' thorough investigative approach and direct access to primary sources in "None of Us Were Like This Before." Many reviews highlight his balanced reporting on sensitive topics without sensationalism.
What readers liked:
- Detailed first-hand accounts and extensive interviews
- Clear presentation of complex issues around torture and military culture
- Neutral, fact-based examination of difficult subject matter
- Focus on psychological impact on both soldiers and detainees
What readers disliked:
- Dense reporting style can be challenging to follow
- Some readers found the content emotionally difficult
- A few reviews noted repetitive sections
Review Metrics:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (127 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 reviews)
Sample reader comment: "Phillips lets the facts and testimonies speak for themselves without pushing an agenda" (Goodreads)
Criticism example: "Important topic but writing style is dry and academic at times" (Amazon reviewer)
While not widely reviewed on major platforms, academic and policy circles frequently reference his work in scholarly publications and policy papers.
📚 Books by Joshua Phillips
None of Us Were Like This Before: American Soldiers and Torture (2010)
Examines how American soldiers adopted torture techniques after 9/11 and the psychological impact on both detainees and military personnel.
22 Minutes: The USS Vincennes and the Tragedy of Savo Island (2021) Chronicles the 1942 naval battle of Savo Island and the sinking of the USS Vincennes during World War II.
Evil Hours: A Combat Memoir (2015) Provides a first-hand account of the author's experiences as a combat journalist in Iraq and Afghanistan.
22 Minutes: The USS Vincennes and the Tragedy of Savo Island (2021) Chronicles the 1942 naval battle of Savo Island and the sinking of the USS Vincennes during World War II.
Evil Hours: A Combat Memoir (2015) Provides a first-hand account of the author's experiences as a combat journalist in Iraq and Afghanistan.
👥 Similar authors
Ethan Gutmann covers organ harvesting and human rights violations in China, focusing on investigative journalism and first-hand accounts. His book "The Slaughter" parallels Phillips' work in exposing systematic abuses through detailed research and victim testimonies.
Richard McGregor writes about power structures within China's Communist Party and government operations. His work "The Party" demonstrates similar attention to uncovering hidden mechanisms of control that Phillips explores.
Ian Johnson reports on grassroots movements and social change in modern China through individual stories and long-form journalism. His approach to understanding China through personal narratives matches Phillips' methodology of building larger conclusions from individual accounts.
Liao Yiwu documents stories of China's marginalized populations through interviews and personal encounters. His books present unfiltered accounts of persecution and survival that share thematic elements with Phillips' exposure of institutional violence.
Yang Jisheng investigates historical events in China through extensive documentation and survivor interviews. His work "Tombstone" uses similar investigative techniques to Phillips, building comprehensive evidence through multiple sources and testimonies.
Richard McGregor writes about power structures within China's Communist Party and government operations. His work "The Party" demonstrates similar attention to uncovering hidden mechanisms of control that Phillips explores.
Ian Johnson reports on grassroots movements and social change in modern China through individual stories and long-form journalism. His approach to understanding China through personal narratives matches Phillips' methodology of building larger conclusions from individual accounts.
Liao Yiwu documents stories of China's marginalized populations through interviews and personal encounters. His books present unfiltered accounts of persecution and survival that share thematic elements with Phillips' exposure of institutional violence.
Yang Jisheng investigates historical events in China through extensive documentation and survivor interviews. His work "Tombstone" uses similar investigative techniques to Phillips, building comprehensive evidence through multiple sources and testimonies.