The Diplomat | Author
Mina Pollmann
Mina Pollmann is an associate political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.
Mina Pollmann is an associate political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT, and her BS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Her research interests focus on Japan’s security and diplomacy, the U.S.-Japan alliance, U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific, alliance politics, the domestic and local politics of alliance management, and security cooperation.
November 30, 2023
PALM10: Japan’s Chance to Engage With Pacific Island Countries
By Mina Pollmann
As China attempts to increase its influence over the PICs, Japan must marshal a strategic response that connects these states to its broader objectives in the Indo-Pacific.
August 21, 2023
The Japan-South Korea-US Summit: A Game Changer for the Indo-Pacific
By Mina Pollmann
Different threat perceptions as well as Japan’s colonization of Korea and atrocities committed during World War II have made even basic trilateral cooperation difficult – until now.
August 02, 2023
With Visits to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Japan Seeks to Shore up Indian Ocean Presence
By Mina Pollmann
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa visited the Indian Ocean island states in his latest foreign tour.
July 27, 2023
With Eyes on Taiwan, Okinawan Islands Seek Shelter
By Mina Pollmann
As tensions around Taiwan increase, remote Okinawan islands look to prepare for a possible conflict by investing in evacuation shelters and other defensive infrastructure.
July 21, 2023
Kishida’s Trip to Middle East Focuses on Energy, Defense Cooperation
By Mina Pollmann
There are ironies involved in both, given that fossil fuels ties Japan and the region together more than shared liberal values.
July 11, 2023
Japan Takes Another Step Toward Expanding Defense Exports
By Mina Pollmann
The LDP-Komeito coalition is working to overcome internal differences on loosening the existing restrictions.
March 21, 2023
What’s Driving the Japan-South Korea Thaw?
By Mina Pollmann
Between China and North Korea, the logic for increased Japan-South Korea cooperation is clear. All that was lacking was political will.
February 07, 2023
Japan, China Hold Foreign Minister Call Days After NATO Chief’s Visit
By Mina Pollmann
Tokyo continues to try to keep relations with Beijing stable even as it deepens military cooperation with NATO and other partners.
January 18, 2023
Japan, US Emphasize Security Cooperation During Kishida Visit
By Mina Pollmann
The Japanese prime minister's U.S. visit, and the latest 2+2 consultations, emphasized an even-closer alliance amid Japan's changing security posture.
December 16, 2022
How Can Japan Help Taiwan?
By Mina Pollmann
Aside from visits by high-ranking LDP politicians, there are equally important, if less high-profile, changes Japan can make.
December 06, 2022
Japan’s Ruling Coalition Approves Counterstrike Capability
By Mina Pollmann
The long-debated move comes alongside increased defense spending amid worries about Japan's security environment.
November 19, 2022
The Limits of Kishida’s China Outreach
By Mina Pollmann
The Japanese prime minister held his first in-person meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, but he faces tight limits in how far he can push the relationship.
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