Terry Waite hopes to see academics providing a historical framework to politicians who are making important decisions.

Terry Waite on how academics can influence policy making

How was Terry Waite able to build rapport with an Islamic extremist group? After being held captive for nearly four years, the former hostage has spent his life reconciling for peace. He talks to Open University Professor John Wolffe about how his incarceration in Beirut profoundly influenced his view that conflict resolution is rooted in cultural understanding not just religious differences. Terry Waite also discusses how academics could potentially influence politics and policy making.