The Evolution of Hostage Taking and the Rise of Hostage Diplomacy

From Hamas to Russia to Iran, hostage-taking is on the rise once again and hostage diplomacy has entered that arsenal of foreign policy tools by countries around the world. This week, Northwestern University’s Dani Gilbert guides us through what is new, what has worked and failed in the past, and why countries need new ways to respond to hostage-taking today.  

Reading List: 

• Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different, Danielle Gilbert, Good Authority, Oct 13, 2023 

• Biden’s hostage diplomacy, explained, Danielle Gilbert, Good Authority, Sept 20, 2023 

• The Prisoners Dilemma, Danielle Gilbert, Foreign Affairs, Aug 24, 2022