The New America Foundation’s Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative hosted co-authors Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce on September 7, 2010. They presented a brief overview of their book, Hostage Nation, which focuses on the bloodless rescue of two American contractors and a former Colombian presidential candidate. The following discussion explored the rescue specifically and the US-sponsored drug war generally.

The two authors detailed their exhaustive research experience. They also introduced criticisms of the ongoing drug war. The speakers also raised serious questions about the economic appeal of drug trafficking and kidnapping—as well as the social factors that enable both trades. The panelists also suggested that pure police action was inadequate. Instead, interested governments should stress a more complete approach that addresses both the Colombian supply and the American demand.