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The Diplomat  |  Author

Mina Pollmann

Mina Pollmann

Dr. Mina Pollmann is a researcher focused on Japan’s security and diplomacy, the U.S.-Japan alliance, alliance politics, and Indo-Pacific security.

Dr. Mina Pollmann was most recently a Presidential Management Fellow with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Japanese Affairs. Previously, she was an Associate Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation. She has also held visiting research appointments with the Harvard Kennedy School and University of Tokyo, and worked as a News Producer for the Washington Bureau of TV Tokyo.

She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT, and a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Her research interests are Japan’s security and diplomacy, the U.S.-Japan alliance, alliance politics, and Indo-Pacific security.

Posts by Mina Pollmann
April 22, 2025

US, Philippines Begin Balikatan Annual Drills With South China Sea in Mind

By Mina Pollmann
In previewing the drills, military officials mentioned not only the disputed waterway but also the potential deterrent effect in the Taiwan Strait.

April 10, 2025

With Rutte Visit, Japan and NATO Seek ‘Next Level’ of Cooperation

By Mina Pollmann
Two major themes emerged: the interconnectedness of threats facing Europe and the Indo-Pacific and the importance of defense industrial cooperation. 
July 22, 2024

Equipping the Japan-US Alliance to Handle China’s Disinformation Operations

By Jeffrey W. Hornung and Mina Pollmann
While much of the recent analytical focus has been on its role in a crisis, disinformation can have pernicious, real-world effects in peacetime. 

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.

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