Mickey Bergman, an experienced negotiator, reveals the secretive world of hostage rescue missions in his new book, "In the Shadows." This work provides an exclusive look into the intense and risky field of hostage negotiation, highlighting the hidden tactics and obstacles encountered by those working to return captives safely.
Bergman has spent years negotiating the release of Americans held in foreign countries as the Richardson Center for Global Engagement vice president. His strategy prioritizes empathy, creativity, and a readiness to engage with even the most obstinate adversaries.
Bergman and his team at the Richardson Center serve as the go-to rescuers for Americans unjustly imprisoned overseas. Sharing a goal with master negotiator Bill Richardson, the team navigated high-stakes negotiations for the release of Brittney Griner, Otto Warmbier, Trevor Reed, Paul Whelan, and Kenneth Bae. Their work fills the gap where U.S. government officials may falter, offering hope to desperate loved ones and shedding light on the complexities of international diplomacy.
The book highlights cases like Danny Fenster's, an American journalist detained in Myanmar. It also discusses the emotional toll and strategic challenges involved, including building connections with adversaries and navigating diplomatic channels. Bergman addressed the impact of recent global events and political dynamics on negotiation strategies, advocating for empathy and emotional intelligence in diplomacy and society.
In an interview, Bergman explains why he calls himself a "fringe diplomat." According to Bergman, "fringe diplomacy" refers to people and non-governmental organizations interacting with foreign governments outside of established diplomatic channels and government mandates. This strategy allows more time to concentrate on particular problems, including humanitarian aid and prisoner releases, without being restricted by more general diplomatic goals. Bergman emphasized that this approach is practical when more significant geopolitical considerations may limit or hinder traditional government diplomacy.
Bergman acknowledged the initial skepticism and resistance from captors and government officials toward "fringe diplomats" like himself. Captors often seek negotiations directly with the U.S. government, while officials may view independent negotiators as disruptive to their strategies.
Despite these challenges, Bergman remains committed to representing the families of hostages and pursuing negotiations, even if deals are sometimes executed without his involvement. Ultimately, Bergman prioritizes the successful return of individuals held captive, even if it means setting aside personal ego for the greater good.
In a PBS interview, Bergman recounted his dealings with the Russian government. When presented with options by the Russians for a potential swap involving Griner and a second Russian detainee, Bergman opted for a two-for-two exchange, which included consideration for Whelan's release. Despite efforts by Jon Finer, the deputy national security adviser, to secure the deal, Whelan was ultimately left behind.
Bergman attributed Whelan's continued imprisonment to miscalculations by the United States and emphasized that negotiations for hostages rarely improve over time. He criticized the Trump administration's lack of interest in reciprocating humanitarian gestures by Russia, such as the release of Konstantin Yaroshenko, which could have facilitated Whelan's release.
Bergman rejected the notion that negotiating hostage swaps incentivizes the taking of more hostages, labeling it as intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt. He argued that the refusal to negotiate leads to more Americans being taken and emphasized the importance of taking action to bring hostages home without compromising moral integrity.
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