May 09, 2024

About the author

Mintaro Oba

Mintaro Oba is a contributing analyst to NK Pro. He was worked as a political speechwriter and is a former Korea Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State.

More articles by 'Mintaro Oba'

The June 12 Kim-Trump summit: what to expect
NK PRO

The June 12 Kim-Trump summit: what to expect

Much will depend on how the two sides manage expectations

The June 12 Kim-Trump summit: what to expect
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba June 10, 2018
With the Singapore summit cancelled, what next for U.S.-North Korea relations?
NK PRO

With the Singapore summit cancelled, what next for U.S.-North Korea relations?

Cool heads will need to prevail if military action is to be avoided

With the Singapore summit cancelled, what next for U.S.-North Korea relations?
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba May 25, 2018
What Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal means for North Korea

What Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal means for North Korea

While not a game-changer, the decision to scuttle the JCPOA sends the wrong message to Pyongyang

What Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal means for North Korea
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba May 8, 2018
The inter-Korean summit: what lies ahead
NK PRO

The inter-Korean summit: what lies ahead

The diplomacy of the coming months will be shaped by what Moon and Kim agreed on Friday

The inter-Korean summit: what lies ahead
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba May 2, 2018
How Japan can stay relevant on North Korea
NK PRO

How Japan can stay relevant on North Korea

Tokyo can hedge its bets by siding with Trump - or position itself as a more moderating force

How Japan can stay relevant on North Korea
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba April 26, 2018
How U.S. planning for a Kim-Trump summit might pan out
NK PRO

How U.S. planning for a Kim-Trump summit might pan out

Ahead of the historic meeting, White House officials must make sure the President is ready - and that expectations are managed

How U.S. planning for a Kim-Trump summit might pan out
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba April 13, 2018
Why Trump firing Tillerson is bad news for North Korea policy

Why Trump firing Tillerson is bad news for North Korea policy

With a DPRK-U.S. summit on the horizon, the State Department finds itself without a leader

Why Trump firing Tillerson is bad news for North Korea policy
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba March 14, 2018
Who can replace Joe Yun, Washington’s top North Korea diplomat?

Who can replace Joe Yun, Washington’s top North Korea diplomat?

The President will have a tough time filling the shoes of a consummate negotiator

Who can replace Joe Yun, Washington’s top North Korea diplomat?
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba February 27, 2018
How the U.S. should respond to Kim Jong Un’s summit offer

How the U.S. should respond to Kim Jong Un’s summit offer

Washington must avoid undermining inter-Korean progress

How the U.S. should respond to Kim Jong Un’s summit offer
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba February 18, 2018
Why Trump called out his own Secretary of State on North Korea

Why Trump called out his own Secretary of State on North Korea

The President's outburst risks damaging the credibility of the State Department

Why Trump called out his own Secretary of State on North Korea
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba October 2, 2017