Our Research
We have seen first-hand the impact hostage taking and wrongful detention has on families and the threat it poses to our national security. We believe rigorous research is the foundation of good policy, and that sound policy is needed to prevent more Americans from being taken, to secure the release of those detained, and to deter captor countries from further aggression
Elizabeth Richards
Director of Hostage Advocacy & Research
The James Foley Foundation
Groundbreaking Research
Since our inception, the James W. Foley Foundation has led public discourse on issues related to the effectiveness of the U.S. government structures and policies designed to address hostage-taking (i.e., the U.S. “hostage enterprise”).
Our credibility as an organization stems from Diane Foley’s moral authority on the issue and our first-of-its-kind research that incorporates statistical data and the lived experiences of family members of those held hostage or wrongfully detained.
Our research informs policymakers, legislators, and other stakeholders in their decision making with facts and the direct experience of victims and survivors of Hostage Taking
Actionable Recommendations
Our research shapes how the U.S. government and the public understand the problem of hostage taking and wrongful detention, as well as effective responses to it. For the past six years, our annual Bringing Americans Home report has evaluated how responsive the U.S. government is to the needs of family members, how well the U.S. hostage enterprise operates, and documents the acute needs of returned hostages.
Our recommendations help improve the government’s responsiveness to the needs of detainees and their families
Proven Results
Based on our research, Congress has introduced legislation to eliminate tax penalties incurred while Americans are held hostage, and informed efforts to pass and now refine the landmark Levinson Act. This fall, our research was also cited by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China in their letter to President Biden, urging him to take action to secure the release of Americans detained abroad.
Our research is used by the U.S. Government as a trusted, independent nonpartisan source of high quality information