The FBI Hostage Negotiator - with Chris Voss
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Summary

Chris 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 Learn

Intelligence

• 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 DIVE

Books

- 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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