This timely and important title examines the motivations, events, and effects of the terrorist practice of taking hostages. From political bargaining throughout history to current activity by the terrorist group ISIS, readers will consider the reasons that groups engage in hostage taking and learn about the effects it has on victims and their larger communities. Taking the stance of a global citizen, readers will debate whether hostage takers should be negotiated with and how hostage taking could be prevented. Using case studies, debate sidebars, and critical thinking questions, Hostage Takers allows readers to critically explore the media’s coverage of terrorism and hostage situations, exposing them to differing perspectives on how best to deal with these threats now and in the future.