Mike Bosack
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Mike Bosack
@mikebosack.bsky.social
23 followers 9 following 180 posts
International Negotiator, Peacebuilder, War-tested Leader・Special Advisor, YCAPS・Founder, Parley Policy Initiative • All views my own
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mikebosack.bsky.social
10 years since Kaesong Industrial Complex shut down.

Seoul wants it reopened.
Pyongyang doesn’t.

The reasons go far beyond sanctions, and they point to the structural shift in inter-Korean relations.

Here’s why (via @thediplomat.com) ⬇️
thediplomat.com/2026/02/why-...
Why North Korea Is Unlikely to Renew Cooperation at Kaesong
The Lee administration may be hoping to resume cooperation at the Kaesong Industrial Complex. But Pyongyang is just not interested.
thediplomat.com
February 15, 2026 at 10:03 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Want to make sense of the Kim Yo Jong-attributed statement that North Korean state media published this morning?

Here's my analysis ⬇️
February 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
While many looked at the second round of Russia-Ukraine-US peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi as sign of positive progress, it highlighted four significant problems in the White House's mediation efforts.

I explain in my latest for the @kyivpost.com ⬇️
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/69652
Opinion: The White House Is Fumbling Its Russia-Ukraine Peace Mediation Efforts
How persistent flaws in US-led mediation efforts risk leading not to peace but a fragile, unenforceable agreement that fails to constrain Russia.
www.kyivpost.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:21 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What will happen to North Korean POWs in Ukraine?

This is an important question to answer when considering the Russia-Ukraine War, inter-Korean relations, and precedent for repatriations.

Here's my analysis of their likely fate (via The Diplomat ⬇️ )
thediplomat.com/2026/02/what...
What Will Happen to North Korean POWs in Ukraine?
The South Korean government has repeatedly conveyed its willingness to accept the soldiers as its citizens after the war.
thediplomat.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:10 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
How does the North Korean regime use purges in its system of governance?

The answer is here in my latest for @nknewsorg.bsky.social ⬇️
www.nknews.org/pro/the-art-...
The art of the purge: How North Korea keeps its elites in line | NK PRO
With the all-important Ninth Party Congress on the horizon, a reckoning may be coming for some of the top officials in Kim Jong Un’s regime. North Korean politics has long been synonymous with purges,...
www.nknews.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:06 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Wondering what to make of Sanae Takaichi's landslide victory in yesterday's Lower House vote?

Here's my answer via @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
Five key takeaways from Takaichi’s landslide victory
The LDP secured a supermajority on its own, giving Takaichi the golden opportunity to implement her policy agenda.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 9, 2026 at 3:24 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
It's election day in Japan 🗳

If you want to catch up on what's going on with the snap election, check out my scene setter via @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
A cheat sheet to Takaichi’s snap election
Parties with traditional vote-generating architectures in place before Japan's snap election have a significant advantage.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 7, 2026 at 11:32 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
"The treaty’s lapse removes taboos from certain policy debates, including those surrounding Japan’s three non-nuclear principles."

My comments on the expiration of New START in the @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02...
End of U.S.-Russia nuclear pact raises fears of unchecked arms race
The shift is also expected to impact Japan and a debate over revising its three nonnuclear principles.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 5, 2026 at 7:35 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Want to know what to make of Japan's forthcoming snap election?

Here's my scene setter via @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
A cheat sheet to Takaichi’s snap election
Parties with traditional vote-generating architectures in place before Japan's snap election have a significant advantage.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 3, 2026 at 10:52 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What does it mean if the Lee Jae Myung administration tries to reimplement the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement (also known as the "Comprehensive Military Agreement")?

Having lived through the rise & fall of the CMA, I offer insight via @nknewsorg.bsky.social ⬇️
www.nknews.org/pro/what-to-...
What to expect if Seoul revives the moribund military pact with North Korea | NK PRO
Two years after its functional demise, the inter-Korean military pact that aimed to reduce border tensions could soon return to life, if only in part. In response to North Korea’s latest allegations o...
www.nknews.org
January 28, 2026 at 11:29 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Japan's forthcoming election is shaping up to be a battle between the ruling LDP-Nippon Ishin no Kai coalition and the newly formed "Centrist Reform Alliance."

What is the Centrist Reform Alliance? I answer that question here⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
Japan’s new ‘Centrist Reform Alliance’ is a misnomer
The Centrist Reform Alliance is asking voters to embrace a brand label rather than a fully formed policy platform and a partnership of convenience.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 27, 2026 at 8:19 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
"As a leader, your organization will reflect your work ethic, your behavior, and your values whether you like it or not."

When I gave this TED Talk nearly eight years ago, I hoped that my points would still resonate years later.

I think they do.
www.ted.com/talks/michae...
The Elementary Rules of Leadership
As an academic, military officer, and civilian, Michael Bosack has led and worked with groups from all over the world. Through his experiences across the globe, he discovered fundamental rules of lea...
www.ted.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:32 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
This morning, North Korean state media provided insights into the mechanics behind preparations for the 9th Party Congress. This not only gives insight into the timing of this event, but helps us understand how and why the DPRK operates the way it does.

My brief analysis here⬇️
January 24, 2026 at 12:58 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Whether the White House intends it or not, the gambit for Greenland will influence the Kremlin's negotiating strategy for Ukraine.

What kind of influence will it have?

I explain in my latest for the @kyivpost.com ⬇️
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/68346
Opinion: How Trump’s Greenland Gambit Will Influence the Kremlin’s Negotiating Strategy
Moscow is closely watching tensions rise between Europe and Trump as he lurches deeper into his imperialistic mode, calling on Denmark to cede Greenland to the US.
www.kyivpost.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
The only *durable* way to counter gray-zone activities & violations of int'l laws, rules and norms is to identify illicit activities & respond in ways that are compliant with int'l standards.

Emphasis on "durable."

My comments via @IPDefenseForum⬇️
ipdefenseforum.com/2026/01/japa...
ipdefenseforum.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:11 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
My analysis of the second Kim Yo Jong-attributed statement related to North Korea's drone allegations against the South⬇️
January 14, 2026 at 2:02 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
The whispers about Sanae Takaichi dissolving the Lower House are now discussions between the prime minister and ruling party executives.

But why would Takaichi call a snap election now?

I answer that question via the @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
Why Takaichi would call a snap election
Takaichi may dissolving the Lower House of the parliament upon its mandatory convocation later this month, which would prompt a general election sometime in February.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 13, 2026 at 11:09 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What happens to (North) Korean People's Army soldiers when they return from the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine War?

Under the DPRK's system of governance, there isn't a straightforward answer for the Kim Jong Un regime.

I offer insight in my latest for NK News⬇️ www.nknews.org/pro/how-nort...
How North Korea will control battle-tested troops returning from the Ukraine war | NK PRO
North Korea has repeatedly heralded the Korean People’s Army (KPA) troops deployed to Russia to fight against Ukraine, with leader Kim Jong Un joining ceremonies to welcome those who return home and s...
www.nknews.org
January 12, 2026 at 10:39 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What should we make of the Coalition of the Willing security guarantees?

BLUF: Excellent in principle, but hinges on political will being converted into binding commitments & sustained resourcing amidst Russian recalcitrance.

More here via the @kyivpost.com ⬇️
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/67682
Opinion: What Should We Make of the Coalition of the Willing Security Guarantees?
On paper, the guarantees are a step ahead. But success will hinge on whether political will can overcome the many built-in stumbling blocks that Moscow has been trying to exploit.
www.kyivpost.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:07 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What does the political landscape look like for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in 2026?

I answer that question via the @japantimes.co.jp ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
Takaichi’s political landscape for 2026
Unlike her predecessors who were consistently forced to address turmoil over the past two years, Prime Minister Takaichi will have time and capital to tackle real policy issues.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 7, 2026 at 10:59 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
How has North Korea responded to the Maduro raid?

I offer insight into the DPRK's reaction to the U.S. gambit in Venezuela in my latest for the @thediplomat.com ⬇️
thediplomat.com/2026/01/how-...
How North Korea Responded to the US Gambit in Venezuela
Pyongyang was slow in issuing a relatively tempered statement, but also turned a missile launch event into a tool for deterrence signaling.
thediplomat.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:58 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
The alleged drone attack on Putin's residence illustrates the importance of third party monitoring & verification in peace processes.

As dubious as the Kremlin's claim sounds, it will always be one side's word against the other until a third party conducts its own fact finding.
December 30, 2025 at 8:23 PM
mikebosack.bsky.social
What is the status of the Korean DMZ? Who is responsible for its administration, and how does North Korea treat this buffer zone?

In my inaugural piece for NK News, I cut through the politics to offer a practical understanding of the DMZ as it exists today⬇️
www.nknews.org/pro/why-seou...
Why Seoul’s push for greater control over DMZ risks more than it promises | NK PRO
The frustration of some South Korean government officials with administration of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) has spilled into the open, even prompting a rare U.N. Command (UNC) press statement on the...
www.nknews.org
December 30, 2025 at 9:33 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
It called to us...a taste of our former home. 네네치킨 is bite-sized nostalgia.
December 28, 2025 at 4:14 AM
mikebosack.bsky.social
Japan's biggest threat to its populace in 2025 wasn't missiles or foreign invasions, it was bears.

The battle with the bears was notable in its own right, but it revealed deeper issues that present further challenges going forward.

More from me on this issue ⬇️
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
Japan’s growing bear crisis reveals deeper issues
Currently, there are only around 220,000 licensed hunters in Japan, substantially lower than the 532,265 registered in 1970.
www.japantimes.co.jp
December 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM