This interview with King’s College London researcher Dr Rajan Basra explores the motivations behind jihadist hostage-taking during the 2014 Arsal hostage crisis in Lebanon. Drawing on interviews with families of 30 hostages, the discussion challenges conventional assumptions that kidnappings are driven solely by strategic goals such as ransoms or prisoner exchanges. Instead, it highlights the role of revenge, power and status in shaping the behaviour of militant groups and their members. The interview offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working on hostage negotiations, civilian protection and conflict response, while also drawing attention to the often-overlooked experiences and support needs of victims’ families.

Read the interview