Embark on a journey into the realm of fringe diplomacy, where hidden negotiations and human connections help to secure the release of American political prisoners and detainees across the globe.Mickey Bergman is the Vice President and Executive Director at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. This nonprofit and NGO has orchestrated the return of more American detainees than any other private organisation, spanning from North Korea and Cuba to Myanmar, Russia, the Middle East, Venezuela, and Africa.Mickey's efforts have garnered him and his colleagues two Nobel Peace Prize nominations (in 2019 and 2023), alongside a host of other notable distinctions.In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Mickey recounts the intricacies of negotiations, shedding light on the years of dedicated engagement preceding each successful release.He shares the secrets behind his ability to forge connections, from his personal relationships with the families of detainees to establishing trust with Burmese generals, Russian diplomats, and North Korean officials.Mickey's personal journey from paratrooper to diplomatic pioneer is recounted with stories of his own moral development and the influences that shaped his worldview.I invite you to join us as we explore the power of emotional intelligence and its impact on the world with the remarkable Mickey Bergman.Timestamps(0:53) Introducing Mickey Bergman(03:45) Georgetown connection(05:27) Defining fringe diplomacy(15:28) The long game of engagement(21:41) 'Proliferating' vs scaling(29:08) Emotional intelligence in action--North Korea and Myanmar(40:22) Quid Pro Quo--Russia(44:00) Finding humanity in everyone...even those on the other side(48:00) Negotiating authentically. knowing yourself(51:30) Relationships with the families..and Mickey's hardest moment(59:30) Military experience...and choosing non-violence(1:05:00) Finding your moral compass and developing empathy(1:11:35) Intentions and 'doing the right thing'--Iran and Russia(1:24:00) How to expand your horizons and what children already know(1:30:59) Upcoming book(1:35:29) There's more to be done...You can connect with Mickey and learn more about his work here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeybergman/https://www.richardsondiplomacy.orgMickey's book, IN THE SHADOWS; True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad, is expected in June 2024.And to learn more about Erika:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behlInstagram@every_moment_is_a_choice_

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