The Intelligence from The Economist The Weekend Intelligence: Black boxes (part one): Michael Kovrig on how he became a political hostage in China
Oct 5, 2024
Michael Kovrig shares his chilling experience of being taken by men in black after a dinner in Beijing, leading to a 1,019-day detention. He describes the emotional turmoil and psychological impact of imprisonment entwined with geopolitical tensions between China and the West. The podcast also delves into the challenges faced by foreign entrepreneurs and the ominous nature of China's political landscape. Listeners gain insights into the broader implications of hostage politics and the resilience required to endure such an ordeal.
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Beijing Life
- Michael Kovrig, as a diplomat, found Beijing's energy and complexity fascinating.
- He joined wine and jazz groups to immerse himself in Chinese culture and navigate official meetings where meaningful conversations were hard.
Beijing's Design
- Kovrig found Beijing's urban design, including the separation of embassies, to be isolating.
- He felt this separation, combined with the city's scale, was designed to keep foreigners separated and feeling insignificant.
Joining Crisis Group
- Kovrig felt a responsibility to contribute to preventing conflict between China and the US.
- He believed his understanding of China was crucial, leading him to join the International Crisis Group.