Hamas abducted more than 200 people during its brutal attacks in Israel last month. The group has released only four of these hostages so far. As Israel’s ground assault in Gaza continues, government leaders face tremendous pressure to do whatever it takes to save the lives of captives.
According to RAND's Brian Michael Jenkins, past hostage crises don't offer a prescription for how to bargain for human life. But history does provide some important lessons: Humanitarian appeals rarely work, and rescues are risky. Most hostages survive because ransoms are paid, prisoners are released, or other concessions are made.
“People holding hostages are seldom moved by humanitarian concerns,” Jenkins says. “They trade in lives. The terms we ultimately accept to secure a release reflect the importance we place on bringing back our own. Bargaining therefore is one-sided—there are no good deals made under duress.”
The United States is one of just eight countries with territory in the Arctic. How do U.S. Arctic military capabilities differ from those of other countries operating in the region, including Russia and China? A new RAND report explores this question and identifies key needs, including improving communications and expanding funding for equipment such as icebreaking vessels. Failing to address these issues could harm U.S. Arctic interests, contributing to Russian domination of the Arctic and increased Chinese influence in the area. Read more »
What kinds of sustainable space-based habitats could we see in the future? As more and more humans travel to outer space, could a “Space Rescue Service” help save lives when things go wrong? How might space-based solar power affect U.S. national security? RAND researchers consider these questions and more in a new paper, identifying issues related to sustainability, security, and governance that—like space itself—are worthy of greater exploration. Read more »
You already get the latest insights from RAND in your inbox. Why not your earbuds? Policy Currents is available as a weekly podcast. New episodes every Friday.
