Torture is the most convenient form of coercion in times of no war.
If one wishes to gain compliance from one's enemies, torture has always been efficient. Mankind has known this for centuries and has used it to great advantage. It is a well-known fact that the anticipation of pain is far more agonizing than the actual inducement of it. One must weaken the enemy, use his weaknesses to slowly tear him down, then move in for the final attack. The most effective victory over one's enemies is through the slowest of deaths.