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| birth_place = Tel Aviv, Israel
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| occupation = CEO of Global Reach; Vice President and Executive Director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement; Adjunct Professor at [[Walsh School of Foreign Service]]
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| awards = Nobel Peace Prize Nomination (2019) and (2023); American Hostage Freedom Award (2023)
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'''Michael "Mickey" Bergman''' is the CEO of [https://www.reach.global/ Global Reach] and the Vice President and Executive Director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's [[Walsh School of Foreign Service]], where his graduate level courses focus on the art of [[emotional intelligence]] in international relations and negotiations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Faculty |url=https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/course-catalog/a1o360000013BqCAAU/msfs73001?id=00336000014Ttj4AAC |access-date=2018-12-26 |website=gufaculty360.georgetown.edu}}</ref> Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Global Alliances Program at the [[Aspen Institute]] and founded the Solel Strategic Group (SSG).<ref>[http://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/michael-bergman Aspen Institute Official Biography of Mickey Bergman]</ref>
Bergman has
For his efforts alongside [[Bill Richardson]], Bergman was nominated for the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] in 2019 and again in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernal |first=Rafael |date=2023-08-25 |title=Former UN Ambassador Richardson nominated for Nobel Peace Prize |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4171938-bill-richardson-nominated-nobel-peace-prize/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> In 2023, Bergman received the [[James Foley (journalist)|James W. Foley]] Legacy Foundation American Hostage Freedom Award from the Foley Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Kurt |date=2022-12-08 |title=James W. Foley Legacy Foundation to Honor Roger Carstens, Mickey Bergman, Mouaz Moustafa, and Sean Langan at 2023 Foley Freedom Awards Dinner |url=https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/press-releases/james-w-foley-legacy-foundation-to-honor-roger-carstens-mickey-bergman-mouaz-moustafa-and-sean-langan-at-2023-foley-freedom-awards-dinner/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Foley Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>
Pioneering the field of ''Fringe Diplomacy'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fringediplomacy.com/about|title=Fringe Diplomacy|website=www.fringediplomacy.com|access-date=2018-12-26}}</ref> Bergman has developed a unique approach to global engagement that connects individuals in areas typically overlooked by governments and NGOs. He creates new political capital by leading professional exchange programs to frontier countries such as North Korea, Myanmar, Cuba, Lebanon, and others. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Global Alliances Program at the [[Aspen Institute]] and founded the Solel Strategic Group (SSG).<ref>[http://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/michael-bergman Aspen Institute Official Biography of Mickey Bergman]</ref> ▼
▲Pioneering the field of ''Fringe Diplomacy'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fringediplomacy.com/about|title=Fringe Diplomacy|website=www.fringediplomacy.com|access-date=2018-12-26}}</ref> Bergman has developed a unique approach to global engagement that connects individuals in areas typically overlooked by governments and NGOs. He
Bergman is also an accomplished author and commentator. He wrote [[In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad|''In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad'']] and has published numerous articles and opinion pieces. He frequently provides media commentary on cases of Americans held hostage, hostage diplomacy, and international relations, and is recognized as an expert in the fields of Cuba, North Korea,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Bill |last2=Bergma |first2=Mickey |date=2013-02-01 |title=North Korea-U.S. relations need a reboot |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/north-korea-us-relations-need-a-reboot/2013/02/01/a7967ca4-6b01-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_story.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=[[Washington Post]]}}</ref> and Myanmar.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/opinion/a-rare-moment-for-myanmar-and-america.html?_r=0 "A Rare Moment for Myanmar — and America" The New York Times, Nov 14, 2012]</ref> ▼
▲Bergman is also an accomplished author and commentator. He wrote ''[[In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad
== Career ==▼
Bergman was born and raised in [[Tel Aviv]]. He is a former [[paratrooper]] in the [[Israeli Defense Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2017 |title=Meet one of the negotiators who helped free Otto Warmbier from North Korea |url=https://www.vox.com/world/2017/7/3/15893426/negotiator-north-korea-mickey-bergman-otto-warmbier-richardson-center}}</ref> Bergman graduated from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] with a Bachelor's degree. He went on study at the [[Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service]] at [[Georgetown University]] where he obtained a [[Master of Science in Foreign Service]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2019-02-25 |title=Alumni Spotlight: Mickey Bergman (MSFS '05) emphasizes "emotional intelligence" in diplomacy as his work is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize |url=https://msfs.georgetown.edu/2019/02/25/alumni-spotlight-mickey-bergman-msfs-05-emphasizes-emotional-intelligence-in-diplomacy-as-his-work-is-nominated-for-a-nobel-peace-prize/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MSFS |language=en-US}}</ref>
Prior to his work with the Aspen Institute and Solel Strategic Group (SSG), Bergman served for two years as the Director of [[United States Congress|Congressional]] Relations and Senior Policy Analyst at the [[Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-07 |title=Discussion to target fighting genocide |url=http://vindyarchives.com/news/2007/apr/07/discussion-to-target-fighting-genocide/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=vindyarchives.com}}</ref> As president of SSG, the group worked with the [[Clinton Foundation#Clinton Global Initiative .28CGI.29|Clinton Global Initiative]], former Governor [[Bill Richardson]], the [[Robert Redford]] Center at [[Sundance Film Festival|Sundance]], and [[The Elders (organization)|the Elders]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2011-04-12 |title=US Islamic World Forum April 12-14, 2011 - Biographies |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2011_0412_islamic_world_forum_program.pdf |journal=US Islamic World Forum April 12-14, 2021 |volume=2011 |pages=27}}</ref> At the Aspen Institute, Bergman previously directed programs including [[Partners for a New Beginning]], the Emirates-Aspen Partnership, the North-Africa Partnership of Economic Opportunity, and the U.S.-Lebanon Dialogue.
[[Bill Richardson]] first became aware of Bergman through his humanitarian work in Sudan, which subsequently led to a diplomatic mission to Khartoum. Bergman later took on a leadership role at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, serving as Vice President and Executive Director. In this capacity, Bergman has collaborated closely with diplomat [[Cameron R. Hume]] through the Richardson Center's initiatives.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hjelmgaard |first=Chris Kenning and Kim |title='Undersecretary for thugs': Bill Richardson's endless push to free Americans detained abroad |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/19/prisoner-swaps-hostage-negotiations-bill-richardson/11528172002/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2007, Bergman and Richardson began back channel negotiations to secure the release of [[Gilad Shalit]], an [[Israel Defense Forces]] who had been captured by [[Hamas]] a year earlier.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Richardson |first=Bill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wUDRAAAAQBAJ
In January 2013, Bergman, Richardson, and then-Google Executive Chairman [[Eric Schmidt]] traveled to [[Pyongyang]], North Korea on a private diplomatic mission. Their efforts included seeking release of [[Kenneth Bae]], an imprisoned American Christian missionary, charged with crimes related to preaching against the North Korean government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sang-Hun |first=Choe |date=2012-12-21 |title=North Korea Says It Detained American Over ‘Hostile Acts’ |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/world/asia/north-korea-says-it-has-detained-an-american-citizen.html |access-date=2024-06-23 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The group delivered a letter to government officials for delivery to Bae.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Richardson delivered letter for detained American in North Korea |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-north-richardson-letter-idUSBRE90A0XV20130111/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> Following the visit, Richardson and Bergman published an opinion piece in [[The Washington Post]], advocating for a reset in relations with North Korea.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Time for a reboot with North Korea |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/north-korea-us-relations-need-a-reboot/2013/02/01/a7967ca4-6b01-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_story.html |work=Washington Post}}</ref> Bae was ultimately released in November 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Botelho |first=Greg |date=2014-11-09 |title=Two Americans freed by North Korea arrive back in U.S., reunited with families |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/09/world/asia/us-north-korea-detainees-released/index.html |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>▼
====
▲In January 2013, Bergman, Richardson, and then-Google Executive Chairman [[Eric Schmidt]] traveled to [[Pyongyang]], North Korea on a private diplomatic mission. Their efforts included seeking release of [[Kenneth Bae]], an imprisoned American Christian missionary, charged with crimes related to preaching against the North Korean government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sang-Hun |first=Choe |date=2012-12-21 |title=North Korea Says It Detained American Over
==== Otto F. Warmbier ====
In September 2016, a delegation organized by the Richardson Center visited North Korea in a humanitarian mission supported by the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]]. The delegation included Bergman, Rick Downes, and P. Willey, and at the time was the first such face-to-face contact in nearly two years. They discussed resuming the recovery of American soldiers' remains, aid for flood victims, and the release of [[Otto F. Warmbier]], a University of Virginia student imprisoned in North Korea. Bergman emphasized the need to address both humanitarian aid and the return of Warmbier.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gladstone |first=Rick |title=In Rare Encounter, a Private U.S. Delegation Visits North Korea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/08/world/asia/north-korea-american-delegation-meeting.html |work=New York Times}}</ref>
Bergman played an ongoing role in the efforts to free Warmbier, working closely with Richardson and the Warmbier family. His strategy involved engaging directly with North Korean officials, utilizing personal relationships, and leveraging humanitarian gestures to support the negotiations for Warmbier's release.<ref name=":9" /> Despite these efforts, Warmbier returned to the U.S. in a coma and died shortly thereafter after 17 months of imprisonment.<ref name=":9" />
Bergman and Richardson played roles in securing the release of Princeton graduate student [[Xiyue Wang]] from Iran in 2019. Wang had been detained in Iran for over three years. Acting on behalf of the Wang family and engaging with Iranian officials for months, the Richardson Center facilitated discussions that led to Wang's eventual release in a prisoner swap with Iranian scientist [[Masoud Soleimani]] in December 2019.<ref name=":2" />
Following the Wang-Soleimani exchange, they met with Iranian Foreign Minister [[Mohammad Javad Zarif]] in Doha, Qatar to discuss the detentions of [[Michael R. White (U.S. veteran)]] and [[Robert Levinson]]. The Richardson Center was advocating for the release of both individuals on behalf of their families. Subsequently, Michael White was released in exchange for the United States allowing an Iranian-American physician to visit Iran.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Iran confirms talks 'months ago' with Richardson over White's release |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/iran-confirms-talks-months-ago-with-richardson-over-whites-release-idUSKBN23C26R/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> Levinson was declared to be presumed dead in 2020.
▲==== Myanmar ====
=== Russia ===
==== Arrest of Trevor Reed ====
Bergman was involved in negotiating for the release of [[Trevor Reed]] with Russian officials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagenheim |first=Mike |title=Meet the Israeli in the thick of negotiations to free two Americans from Russia |url=https://www.jns.org/meet-the-israeli-in-the-thick-of-negotiations-to-free-two-americans-from-russia/ |website=JNS}}</ref> In early 2022, just before [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]], Bergman and Richardson visited Russia to negotiate a potential prisoner swap involving Reed and Paul Whelan.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Bret Baier |first=Amy Munneke |date=2024-06-05 |title=Whatever happened to…Americans detained in Russia? |url=https://www.foxnews.com/shows/special-report/whatever-happened-americans-detained-russia |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref> Reed was ultimately released in a one-for-one prisoner swap for Konstantin Yaroshenko.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chernova |first=Anna |date=2022-04-27 |title=American Trevor Reed is back in the US after being released from Russia in prisoner swap, his mother says {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/27/politics/trevor-reed-russia/index.html |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
==== Brittney Griner ====
They played a crucial role in the efforts to secure [[Brittney Griner]]'s release. Bergman worked behind the scenes with Griner's family and legal team. This included a trip to a country neighboring Russia for an 11-hour meeting aimed at preserving negotiation channels and understanding the Russian stance better.<ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine |last=Sullivan |first=Matt |date=2022-12-10 |title=How the Brittney Griner Prison Swap Almost Imploded -- Until the White House Stopped 'Ghosting on Families' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/how-the-brittney-griner-prison-swap-almost-imploded-1234645270/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Although the White House did not officially recognize freelance diplomats as part of the negotiations, Bergman and Richardson engaged in back-channel communications with Russian officials.<ref name=":5" /> They provided information and insights to the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]] and Griner's family, contributing to the strategic discussions and decision-making process that ultimately led to Griner's release in a [[Viktor Bout–Brittney Griner prisoner exchange|one-for-one swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=WNBA star Brittney Griner freed as part of prisoner exchange with Russia |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/brittney-griner-freed/285-8a0e863c-bb6a-44d0-9286-baa6453f8345 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=khou.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Following her release, she issued a statement expressing her gratitude: "We would like to extend a special thank you to Governor Richardson and Mickey Bergman of the Richardson Center for their dedicated efforts and for maintaining constant communication with us."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=Arizona officials, sports figures react to news of Brittney Griner's release |url=https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/area-leaders-react-to-news-of-brittney-griners-release |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV) |language=en}}</ref>
==== Taylor Dudley ====
His team at the Richardson Center played a crucial role in securing the release of Taylor Dudley, who had been detained in 2022 in Russia. They traveled to Moscow and Kaliningrad multiple times to liaise with Russian counterparts and conduits. Despite tensions with some U.S. administration officials, they leveraged Richardson's extensive network, including influential contacts like [[Sergey Lavrov]] and [[Ara Abramyan]], who had previously assisted in other detainee cases. Their efforts culminated in Dudley's release via the [[Poland–Russia border|Poland-Russia border]] in January 2023.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ellis |first=Mike |title=Lansing native Taylor Dudley expected back in Michigan soon after being deported from Russia |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/13/taylor-dudley-deported-russia-expected-michigan-soon-detained-lansing-native/69807528007/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Lansing State Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>
==== Paul Whelan ====
He has been a steadfast advocate for the release of [[Paul Whelan (security director)|Paul Whelan]], navigating multiple negotiation attempts, including proposals involving notable Russian detainees like Viktor Bout, without success. Whelan has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018.<ref name=":6" />
=== Iraq ===
Bergman is currently advocating for [[Elizabeth Tsurkov]], a Russian-Israeli researcher who was kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023 and is held by the group [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Noor |date=2023-09-29 |title=Princeton University Accused of Botching Deadly Student Abduction Crisis |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/princeton-university-accused-of-botching-response-to-kidnapping-of-elizabeth-tsurkov-in-iraq |access-date=2024-06-23 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> In November 2023, the group released a propaganda video using Tsurkov. Bergman viewed the video as a positive development, stating, "Any time a proof of life video is shared, it presents an opportunity to initiate a dialogue."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Noor |date=2023-11-14 |title='Positive' Sign in Disturbing New Video of Abducted Princeton Student |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/kidnapped-princeton-student-elizabeth-tsurkov-appears-in-video-about-israeli-hostages |access-date=2024-06-23 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref>
=== Venezuela ===
Bergman has been an advocate for the release of several Americans detained in Venezuela. In 2020, Richardson made a trip to Venezuela to personally appeal to President [[Nicolás Maduro]] for the release of American detainees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-13 |title=Ex-US diplomat Richardson to urge Maduro to free Americans |url=https://apnews.com/article/1990f4cd9a02711616880991aab0eb52 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> One release came in March 2022, when Gustavo Cárdenas of the [[Citgo Six]] was released, a result attributed in part to the efforts of Richardson and Bergman.<ref name=":4" /> Bergman and Richardson continued in their efforts to secure the release of other Americans detained in Venezuela, successfully achieving the release of the remainder of the [[Citgo Six]] in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title=5 members of Citgo 6 return to Texas after Venezuela prisoner swap |url=https://abc13.com/citgo-6-venezuela-prisoner-release-us-swap-exchange/12286799/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=ABC13 Houston |language=en}}</ref> They continued their advocacy, contributing to a broader exchange that led to the release of ten Americans, including Savoi Wright and [[Eyvin Hernandez]], in December 2023.<ref name=":12" />
== Writings and commentary ==
Bergman has published numerous articles, interviews, and opinion pieces on hostage negotiations and international diplomacy. He is regularly quoted as a subject matter expert in these areas and frequently appears in television interviews. In 2024, Bergman wrote "''[[In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad]]''" with [[Ellis Henican]]. The memoir details Bergman's role in high-stakes hostage negotiations, providing an insider's perspective on the efforts to secure the release of Americans held captive overseas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Negotiator reveals shadowy world of hostage rescue in new book, 'In the Shadows' |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/negotiator-reveals-shadowy-world-of-hostage-rescue-in-new-book-in-the-shadows |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}</ref>
=== North Korea ===
Bergman has been interviewed numerous times on the topic of negotiations with North Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Otto Warmbier negotiator breaks down the keys to negotiating with North Korea |url=http://video.foxnews.com/v/6007755400001/ |access-date=2019-07-06 |website=Fox News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=President Trump remains optimistic about Hanoi summit |url=http://video.foxnews.com/v/6007099146001/ |access-date=2019-07-06 |website=Fox News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Warmbier negotiator reacts to Trump's suggestion that Kim Jong Un was unaware of Otto Warmbier's condition |url=http://video.foxnews.com/v/6008233571001/ |access-date=2019-07-06 |website=Fox News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trump and Kim Jong Un need successful summit: Bergman {{!}} Watch News Videos Online |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/4264731/trump-and-kim-jong-un-need-successful-summit-bergman/ |access-date=2019-07-06 |website=Global News |language=en}}</ref> In March 2018, before the [[2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit]], Bergman and Richardson published an opinion piece in the Washington Post.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=2021-10-28 |title=Perspective {{!}} Kim Jong Un won't give up his nukes. Trump should meet with him, anyway. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/03/10/kim-jong-un-wont-give-up-his-nukes-trump-should-meet-with-him-anyway/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> They argued that President Trump should meet with [[Kim Jong Un]] despite the improbability of North Korea abandoning its nuclear weapons because the meeting could pave the way for a valuable diplomatic breakthrough. They further argued that this encounter would support South Korean efforts, potentially secure the release of American prisoners, and revive efforts to recover the remains of U.S. soldiers. They posited that Trump must approach the negotiation with patience, a clear strategy, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, as North Korea's negotiators are experienced and cautious. They believed that, while complete denuclearization is unlikely, a deal involving halting nuclear programs, easing sanctions, and a formal end to the Korean War could be achievable, which is crucial for reducing the risk of military conflict.<ref name=":10" />
=== Myanmar ===
In their 2012 [[The New York Times]] article, Richardson and Bergman discussed Myanmar's cautious transition towards democracy and economic reform. They emphasized challenges such as poverty, governance capacity building, and ethnic reconciliation, urging urgent international engagement, especially from the United States, to support Myanmar effectively and prevent losing influence to China.<ref name=":8" /> Myanmar experienced a [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|coup in 2021]].
In 2019, Bergman was interviewed on the plight of the [[Rohingya people]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Mickey Bergman |title=i24 News Interview on the plight of the Rohingya. Richardson Center's VP, Mickey Bergman |date=2018-08-28 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ngnt72bpyw |access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref>
=== Israel-Palestine Conflict ===
In 2010, Bergman and [[Amjad Atallah]] published opinion piece that discussed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and proposed a shift from creating two ethnic states to two multi-ethnic states to better address core issues like borders, refugees, and settlers.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Atallah |first=Mickey Bergman, Amjad |title=Forget the old two-state solution: Tackling the hard stuff in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2010/09/30/forget-the-old-two-state-solution-tackling-the-hard-stuff-in-israeli-palestinian-negotiations/ |access-date=2019-07-06 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> They argued that status quo approaches, influenced by national narratives and demographic concerns, fail to create sustainable peace. They suggest a Permanent Residency Status allowing individuals to live and work in one state while holding citizenship and political rights in another. This solution aims to maintain national identities, address humanitarian concerns, and integrate the rights of Jewish settlers, Palestinian refugees, and Israeli Arabs, thereby fostering coexistence and reducing zero-sum dynamics.<ref name=":7" />
During the [[Israel–Hamas war]], Bergman has been interviewed as an expert in cease-fire and hostage negotiations. In May 2024, he gave an interview with [[NPR]] where he discussed Israel's transactional approach versus Hamas' focus on achieving a specific outcome in negotiations. He noted the core issues: Israel seeks hostages for a temporary cease-fire, while Hamas insists on a permanent end to hostilities. Bergman highlighted time pressure, worsening conditions, and external mediation (U.S., Egypt, Qatar) as factors influencing potential progress. He suggested these dynamics, coupled with imminent military actions and public awareness of hostage situations, might spur both sides to reach a resolution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Michael |title=Examining the obstacles to securing a cease-fire in Gaza and hostage exchange |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/05/02/1248634076/examining-the-obsticles-to-securing-a-cease-fire-in-gaza-and-hostage-exchange |website=NPR}}</ref>
=== Venezuela ===
In a 2024, [[Vanity Fair (magazine)]] article, he provided context regarding Venezuela's internal dynamics and hostage-taking. He discussed [[Alex Saab]]'s portrayal as a freedom fighter within Venezuela under [[Nicolás Maduro]]. Bergman noted Saab's extradition in October 2021 by the [[United States Department of Justice]], followed on the same day by [[Citgo Six|Citgo employees]] being sent back to prison from house arrest. Subsequently, he notes the arrests of Osman Khan and [[Eyvin Hernandez]] in the months that followed. He argues that these actions, viewed through Venezuela's narrative of Saab as a political prisoner wrongly detained in the United States, exacerbated tensions and prompted retaliatory measures from the Maduro government.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ciralsky |first=Adam |date=2024-05-29 |title=Exclusive: Inside America's Secret Efforts to Free US Hostages |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/americas-top-hostage-negotiator-exclusive |access-date=2024-06-23 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Hostages and prisoners ===
==== Family campaigns ====
Bergman has supported the [[Bring Our Families Home]] campaign. In 2022, Bergman explained to NPR that families of Americans wrongfully detained abroad are shifting from staying quiet to being more vocal. He explained further that silence was believed to help diplomatic efforts, but recent successes like [[Trevor Reed]]'s release through public advocacy have changed this approach.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Breslow |first=Jason |title=The families of Americans who are wrongfully detained are very much done being quiet |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/07/29/1114225672/brittney-griner-americans-wrongfully-detained-bring-our-families-home-campaign |website=NPR}}</ref> He noticed that families now realize that staying quiet often protects captors and reduces government urgency. Bergman emphasizes that captors seek political leverage, not influence from family statements, so public campaigns should target the U.S. administration.<ref name=":11" />
==== Prisoner exchanges ====
Bergman is one of the experts advocating for a reevaluation of the U.S. "no concessions" policy in negotiations for American hostages, a strategy originally intended to discourage kidnappings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Downen |first=Robert |title=After 1,600 days of 'purgatory,' families of detained Citgo officials still pleading for help |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/After-1-600-days-of-purgatory-families-of-17053746.php |work=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>
In response to the argument that prisoner exchanges create a false equivalence between innocent American hostages and convicted felonts, and that such swaps incentivize hostage-taking, Bergman told the Associated Press: "The framing is wrong. Because it’s not about the guilty people that get released, it’s about the innocent Americans that come back home. And so I reverse the question and say: Is leaving ... innocent Americans to rot in prisons around the world worth the insistence of us having criminals, foreign criminals, serve their full time in the American system?”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-18 |title=Families of American captives frustrated with Justice Dept. |url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-venezuela-only-on-ap-nicolas-maduro-prisoner-exchange-ac6748a5dad08e8fb5856abe1be7bc9d |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
*{{cite book | last=Bergman | first=Mickey | title=In the Shadows | publisher=Center Street | publication-place=New York | date=2024-06-04 | isbn=978-1-5460-0475-2}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Felten |first=Eric |date=June 30, 2024 |title='In the Shadows' Review: The Hostage Bargainer |url=https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/in-the-shadows-review-the-hostage-bargainer-a96db325 |website=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 5, 2024 |title=Negotiator reveals shadowy world of hostage rescue in new book, 'In the Shadows' |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/negotiator-reveals-shadowy-world-of-hostage-rescue-in-new-book-in-the-shadows |website=PBS}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
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[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:People from Arlington County, Virginia]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni]]
[[Category:Walsh School of Foreign Service alumni]]
[[Category:Walsh School of Foreign Service faculty]]
[[Category:People from Tel Aviv]]
[[Category:American people of Israeli descent]]
[[Category:21st-century American diplomats]]
[[Category:Hostage negotiators]]
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