Video On Demand

Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention

June 4, 2025 • 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT

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.

Contact Information

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Jon Alterman
Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
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Jason Rezaian
Senior Associate (Non-resident), Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
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Amb. Robert O'Brien

Amb. Robert O'Brien

Former U.S. National Security Advisor and Co-Chair, CSIS Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention
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Adam Boehler

Adam Boehler

Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Response and Managing Partner and Founder, Rubicon Founders
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Diane Foley

Diane Foley

President and Founder, James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
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Amb. Roger Carstens

Amb. Roger Carstens

Former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, U.S. Department of State
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Danielle Gilbert

Danielle Gilbert

Assistant Professor, Northwestern University
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Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty

Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty

Fellow, Future Security at New America and Principal, R.A. Levinson & Associates