SummaryChris Voss (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the art of negotiation. Chris formerly served as the FBI lead international hostage negotiator. 

What You’ll LearnIntelligence

The very basics of negotiation, including the phrase “Never split the difference”

The art of Tactical Empathy 

Case studies from Chris’ career, including the Dos Palmas kidnappings

Techniques in ethical interrogation

Reflections

Pressure makes diamonds

Human nature & understanding “the other side”

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week“Never take advice from somebody that you wouldn’t trade places with. Never take directions from somebody who hasn’t been where you’re going … I’m coachable, but I know who to be coached by.” – Chris Voss.Resources SURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts*

James Foley: Journalist, ISIS Hostage, Son with His Mother Diane Foley (2024)

A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 1 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024) 

A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 2 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024)

The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)

The FBI Way - Counterintelligence Spy Chief Frank Figliuzzi (2021)

DEEPER DIVEBooks

American Mother, C. McCann and D. Foley (Etruscan Press, 2024)

The Siege, B. Macintyre (Crown, 2024)

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)

Primary Sources 

A Proclamation on U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (2024)

Executive Order on Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home (2022)

FBI Hostage Rescue Team Policy Guide (2019) 

DOS Foreign Affairs Manual: Hostage Taking and Kidnappings (2018)

5 Leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group Indicted (2002)

Hostage Negotiation: A Matter of Life and Death (1983) 

Current Status of the Hostage Crisis and the Implications of US Policy Options (1980) 

*Wildcard Resource*

Want to learn even more? Check out Chris’ MasterClass on the Art of Negotiation. 

And while you’re there, tune in to MasterClass’ other intelligence and espionage-related courses featuring insights from John Douglas, Michael Morrell & more, and Condoleezza Rice. 

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