Anja Shortland

Anja Shortland, a Reader in political economy at King's College London and author of "Kidnap: Inside the Ransom Business," delves into the surprising order within the chaotic world of kidnapping. She highlights the dynamics of ransom negotiations and the economic forces at play, particularly in high-risk areas like Somali piracy. Shortland discusses the importance of reputation in negotiations and the psychological tactics employed by both kidnappers and negotiators. The conversation reveals how local agreements can foster safety, even amid conflict.