Roger Carstens

Roger Carstens, former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, shares insights from his remarkable career negotiating with adversaries, including Russia. He discusses the complexities of prisoner swaps, including the cases of Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed. Carstens emphasizes the importance of listening and building connections during negotiations. He reveals the intricacies of dealing with various Russian agencies and reflects on the moral dilemmas in high-stakes exchanges, including the controversial Brittney Griner swap.

Roger Carstens, the Former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, shares insights from his time negotiating the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, including in Russia. He discusses the importance of humility and connection in negotiations. Carstens dives into the Trevor Reed prisoner swap and the complex Brittney Griner-for-Viktor Bout exchange, highlighting moral dilemmas and strategies like multilateral cooperation. He also reflects on personal relationships with leaders and the challenges of negotiating with Putin’s Russia.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, former Trump White House communications director, and Roger Carstens, former special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, delve into historic developments in the Middle East. They highlight the emotional reunions of hostages after years of captivity and discuss the implications of President Trump's claims of a 'historic dawn.' The conversation also covers the intricate dynamics surrounding Hamas's release of hostages and the potential boost for Trump among American voters, alongside the need for ongoing international pressure to maintain stability.