In a world that is increasingly more authoritarian, in a political atmosphere that is more and more polarized and tribal everywhere, the threat of global hostage-taking has increased exponentially.
As the murder of Jamal Khashoggi illustrates, this threat has particularly increased for journalists, many of whom are on the front lines of reporting on repression and brutality. A record 262 journalists were jailed around the world at the end of 2018.
All of this raises the far larger question, one that journalists have to think about every day, of how should we deal, as a matter of public policy, with journalists or anyone other citizen that is taken, hostage.
The American policy has been that "we do not negotiate with hostage takers." This policy is not universal. Many nations, including France, Spain, and others have taken a different view. The answer is not clear cut or obvious. What is clear is that sometimes playing mister tough guy is just plains stupid.
Joel Simon, a long time journalists in California and Latin America, is the Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalist. His new work is We Want to Negotiate: The Secret World of Kidnapping, Hostages and Ransom.
My conversation with Joel Simon:
Rewiring Our Brains: The Alarming Neurological Consequences of Climate Change
The Solution to Our Housing Problems May be Right Next Door: My conversation with Max Podemski
A Journey into the "Filterworld" That Directs Us
White Rural Rage Is Not Going Away
What If Pete Rose Gambled Today?
Silicon Soldiers: The Military-Technology Complex
The Freaks Came Out to Write
America Last: The Right's Enduring Romance With Dictators
Marriage is Now a Luxury Good
Matthias Gafni gives voice to the lost souls of San Francisco
Reclaiming Populism: It’s Not What We Think It Is
Laura Pappano: The Political Battles inside America's Public Schools
Chance Vs. Choice: How Flukes Shape Our Lives
Is the Abortion Battle the New Foundation for Modern Political Activism?
Media Crack-up 2024: A Conversation with Project Censored's Mickey Huff
From Anxiety to Action: Young Floridians Transforming Politics
Digital Titans and the Echoes of the Gilded Age
MAGA Unraveled: An Insider’s Perspective on Right-Wing America
The Last Candidate of the GOP
‘Fox News’ Is Not News
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
HauntingLive
Dr. Paul’s Worldviews
Pharmacy Podcast Network
The Ben Shapiro Show
Morning Wire