Consequently there is no question that this criminal activity will continue to increase. This trend brings up a couple of issues for the traveler. These are often remote, loosely protected locations where political unrest is prevalent. Now the bigger question. Solutions to this nettlesome problem have, for the most part, eluded governments.
Some governments simply cough up the dough, get their citizens back, and move on.
Therein lies the problem. Like individuals, tough-talking governments become more sanctimonious when it is their citizens under the blindfolds. I've got another idea. By upsetting these incentives, loyalty can be reversed, and kidnappers can be put out of business. If victims are released unconditionally within 24 hours of their capture and no harm has been done to them, the bounty will be withdrawn and the kidnapper will face lesser charges.