The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention explores responses to the growing phenomenon of hostage taking. Over the last year, the bipartisan commission has met with the goals of proposing new U.S. government policies intended to:

  • Deter further hostage taking;
  • Improve the way the U.S. government organizes itself to address different aspects of this issue set;
  • Strengthen international cooperation;
  • Further improve the processes of engaging with families of those who have been taken.

Former national security adviser to President Trump Robert O’Brien co-chairs the commission alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who serves in an honorary capacity. The Washington Post’s Jason Rezaian, who was held hostage in Iran when serving as Tehran bureau chief, helps direct the effort, in cooperation with Dr. Jon B. Alterman, a senior vice president and the Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy at CSIS. The commission includes returned hostages, hostage family members, former law enforcement and national security officials, diplomats, academics, and journalists, all of whom have a long track record working on hostage and detainee issues. The commission and its leadership work closely with senior levels of the U.S. government, Congress, and foreign diplomats.

The commission will publish its findings in early 2025. As the new presidential administration takes office, the commission will publicize its findings among policy audiences, former hostages, their families, communities that are vulnerable to hostage taking and wrongful detention, and friendly governments.

Co-Chairs

  • Amb. Robert O’Brien, Larson LLP
  • Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (Honorary), D-New Hampshire

Executive Directors

  • Jon Alterman, CSIS
  • Jason Rezaian, Washington Post/CSIS

Commissioners

  • David Bradley, National Journal Group
  • Mickey Bergman, Global Reach
  • Col. (Ret.) Chris Costa, International Spy Museum
  • Amb. Jeffrey Feltman, Brookings Institution and UN Foundation
  • Prof. Danielle Gilbert, Northwestern University
  • Emily Horne, Allegro Public Affairs
  • Eric Lebson, Global Reach
  • Cynthia Loertscher, Miami University
  • Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, New America
  • Jason Poblete, Poblete Tamargo LLP
  • Tim Rieser, U.S. Senate staff
  • David Rohde, NBC News
  • Joel Simon, Journalism Protection Initiative, Newmark School
  • Jonathan Wackrow, Teneo
  • Nizar Zakka, Hostage Aid Worldwide

Contact Information

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