Combatting State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Webcast
Foreign governments increasingly detain Americans merely to gain leverage against the U.S. government. While the U.S. government has tools to deal with this challenge, perpetrators are refining their tactics, and the United States must refine its own.
Next week, the CSIS Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention, co-chaired by former national security advisor Robert O’Brien and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, launches its findings. Drawing on input from returned hostages, family members, former national security officials, and experts, the commission developed a series of practical recommendations aimed at deterring future detentions, improving U.S. government coordination, strengthening international cooperation, and better supporting affected families.
At this event, speakers will discuss the importance of this issue and describe tangible steps the U.S. government can take to improve its ability to resolve outstanding cases.
Speakers will include:
- Amb. Robert O’Brien, former National Security Advisor
- Adam Boehler, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Response
- Diane Foley, president and founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
- Amb. Roger Carstens, former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Danielle Gilbert, assistant professor at Northwestern University
- Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, fellow with New America’s Future Security Program and principal at R.A. Levinson & Associates
This event is made possible in part by the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
