POSTPONED: The threat of hostage-taking: A conversation with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Online only

This event has been postponed.

Hostage-taking and wrongful detention threatens the integrity of the international political system. As geopolitical tensions increase around the globe with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, studies suggest that the frequency and duration of hostage-taking have intensified. What measures can the United States and other countries take to deter hostage taking by foreign governments and actors? What is the most effective approach to ensuring the safe release of wrongfully detained citizens abroad?

On January 17, the Foreign Policy program at Brookings will host a virtual event to discuss these issues with Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens.

Viewers can submit questions via email to [email protected] or on Twitter/X @BrookingsFP using #Hostages.

Agenda

January 17
- Keynote
  
  Roger D. Carstens Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs - U.S. Department of State
- Featured discussion
  
  Moderator
  
  Suzanne Maloney Vice President and Director - Foreign Policy @MaloneySuzanne
  
  Panel
  
  Jeffrey Feltman John C. Whitehead Visiting Fellow in International Diplomacy - Foreign Policy, Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology
  
  Roger D. Carstens Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs - U.S. Department of State
  
  Cynthia Loertscher Former Director of Research, Hostage Advocacy, and Government Affairs - James W. Foley Legacy Foundation
  
  Jason Rezaian Global Opinions Writer - The Washington Post, Nonresident Senior Associate, Middle East Program - Center for Strategic and International Studies