The arbitrary arrest, detention, or sentencing of foreign nationals by a state to exercise leverage over a foreign government is an emerging but increasingly serious issue that requires international attention. Also known as “hostage diplomacy,” arbitrary detention used for diplomatic leverage exposes all persons who travel, work, and live abroad to risk and undermines the basic principles of international relations, including mutual trust and peaceful settlement of disputes between states. It also contravenes international law, threatens state sovereignty, and destabilizes the rules-based international order.