menu_open Columnists
Mina Pollmann

Mina Pollmann

The Diplomat

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Putin’s Visit to Disputed Island Exacerbates Japan-Russia Tensions

The Kuril Islands/Northern Territories have been a constant thorn in Japan-Russia relations. Putin just made it worse.

19.08.2026 3

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Iran-Israel-US War Tests Japan’s Evolving Appetite for Collective Self-Defense

Can Japan send the SDF to Hormuz? The key will be how Tokyo classifies the current situation – but that is complicated by the conflict’s origin in...

19.03.2026 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

The Iran-Israel-US War Is Reconfiguring US Force Posture in the Indo-Pacific

The concentration of U.S. military assets in the Middle East is forcing allies like Japan and South Korea to ask themselves hard questions about U.S....

13.03.2026 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Japan Is Moving to Expand Defense Exports. Constitutional Revision Is a Bigger Ask.

While most Japanese lawmakers support revising the constitution, they are more divided on what, exactly, needs to change.

26.02.2026 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Is Japan Ready for Internal Displacement Sparked by a Taiwan War?

Part two of a two-part series exploring Japan’s civil protection planning for its southwestern islands.

07.02.2026 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Is Japan Prepared to Evacuate Its Nationals in a Taiwan War?

Part one of a two-part series exploring Japan’s civil protection planning for its southwestern islands.

30.01.2026 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Japan’s Southwest Islands in Focus at Latest Japan-US Defense Minister Meeting

The Japanese islands closest to Taiwan are an increasingly focal point for the Japan-U.S. alliance.

22.01.2026 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Japan Reacts to the New US National Security Strategy

The plan codifies demands for Japan to spend more on defense and increase its capabilities – efforts Japanese officials say are already underway.

09.12.2025 50

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

US Steps up Defense Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Washington is making progress with a range of states: from staunch ally the Philippines to newer partner Vietnam and even Cambodia, where China's...

05.12.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

South Korea Eyes Defense Exports to Europe, Middle East

Seoul had apparently picked two priority regions in its quest to become a top-four global defense exporter.

26.11.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

How Will Japan’s New Leader Approach the North Korea Problem?

Like her predecessors, Takaichi has offered a summit to resolve the abductees issue. North Korea is unlikely to be interested.

20.11.2025 40

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Japan Is Sending Soldiers to Lithuania to Train Ukrainian Troops

The deployment, small as it is, marks a first for Japan in several ways.

31.10.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

How Will a Takaichi Administration Approach Japan’s Taiwan Policy?

Takaichi Sanae is widely seen as a pro-Taiwan leader, even famously suggesting a “quasi-alliance” between the two.

09.10.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

South Korea Mulls the US Push for ‘Strategic Flexibility’

The top U.S. priority for alliance modernization is the one that causes the most concern for South Korea.

25.09.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

EU, India Advance Defense Cooperation With Naval Exercises

In addition to the increasing frequency and complexity of naval cooperation, India and the EU are growing closer politically.

16.09.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Taiwan’s Government Eyes Expanded Defense Budget at 3.3% of GDP

The hike in defense spending comes amid increased threat perceptions and pressure from the U.S. for Taiwan to bolster its own capabilities.

28.08.2025 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

New Zealand Tightens Defense Ties With Australia – and Beyond

The Luxon government is shoring up its relationship with its only ally, while also expanding its role in security groupings like NATO and the Five...

16.08.2025 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Role Under Discussion in US Trade Talks

South Korea is seeking trade concessions, including on tariffs and non-trade barriers, in return for accepting the U.S. request to recalibrate the...

28.07.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Japan-Canada Sign Security of Information Agreement

The SIA, once ratified, will enable exchanges of national security-related data and facilitate two-way defense procurements.

11.07.2025 20

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Why Did Japan Skip the NATO Summit?

A confluence of factors – U.S. strikes on Iran and a focus on defense spending hikes – likely led Prime Minister Ishiba to stay home.

28.06.2025 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann

Despite US Disapproval, Europe Eyes a Greater Role in the Indo-Pacific

The robust European presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue was just the latest indication that the EU seeks to defend its own interests in the...

05.06.2025 30

The Diplomat

Mina Pollmann