Joseph R. DeTrani
Columns by Joseph R. DeTrani
Abduction and uranium enrichment: Two issues poisoning U.S. relations with North Korea
In September 2002, North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong Il, admitted to visiting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi that North Korea had abducted 13 Japanese citizens. Published June 24, 2025
Leadership corruption in China and Russia
In March, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published an unclassified report titled "Wealth and Corrupt Activities of the Leadership of the Chinese Communist Party." Published June 15, 2025
Lee Jae-myung’s victory signals new era for South Korea amid regional tensions
On June 3, South Korea turned the page and embarked on a journey of peace and prosperity. Published June 10, 2025
Iran’s theocracy can’t be trusted
Iran suffers from massive unemployment, high inflation, growing poverty, pervasive corruption and a social system that disrespects women. Published June 1, 2025
A U.S. president pursuing peace
It's gratifying to see President Trump personally pursuing peace and reconciliation in a world ravaged by war and conflict. Published May 20, 2025
Pope Francis: A legacy of hope
Pope Francis' passing on April 21 was unfortunate for many reasons. Published April 29, 2025
From partner to provocateur: How China turned U.S. support into strategic threat
The trade war with China is intensifying and could lead to conflict. President Trump paused tariffs for 90 days on about 80 countries but kept his tariff of 145% on China. Published April 20, 2025
Dealing with nuclear proliferation
Numerous allies have expressed concerns regarding the nuclear weapons programs of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. Published April 9, 2025
The critical role of Reagan’s truthful news in ending Soviet control
President Reagan believed in the power of communication. He aimed to inform a global audience about American values and find ways to provide truthful information and analysis to those denied access by their own governments to the truth. Published March 31, 2025
North Korea’s alarming military buildup
In 2021, Kim Jong-un announced that North Korea would have an intercontinental ballistic missile, submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles, a hydrogen bomb and hypersonic missiles. Published March 19, 2025
Trump’s peace efforts for Ukraine need security assurances to succeed
President Trump's efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine are admirable. Equally important, however, is security assurances for Ukraine. Published March 4, 2025
Without China’s help, Russia’s war in Ukraine would end
During a Feb. 24 telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to China's President Xi Jinping, Mr. Xi reiterated China's "no limits" partnership with Russia. Published February 26, 2025
Democracy under siege by authoritarian regimes worldwide
Based on my numerous assignments abroad and work for Director of Central Intelligence Bill Casey, I have concluded that authoritarianism is on the move and democracy is under siege. Published February 18, 2025
A bold approach for dealing with North Korea
The absence of any diplomatic engagement with North Korea during the past four years has resulted in a more belligerent North Korea, now more aligned with Russia and China. Published February 11, 2025
Trump should use cultural exchanges to promote peace and democracy abroad
President Trump has an opportunity to tell this story to the world. An opportunity to contribute to ending the conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and other regions experiencing turmoil. Published January 27, 2025
Trump’s relationship with North Korea’s Kim offers a chance to counter Putin’s influence
The Budapest Memorandum of December 1994 provided security assurances to Ukraine for giving up their nuclear weapons. Published January 16, 2025
Trump seeks to benefit from engaging with friends and foes alike
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration on Jan. 20. Published December 31, 2024
Russia will abandon North Korea
Syrian dictator Bashar Assad said he "never considered stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party." Published December 20, 2024
Maintaining democracy in South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to impose martial law was a cowardly attempt to stifle free speech and assembly in a country that has suffered at the hands of previous dictators. Published December 16, 2024
Trump should not give up on North Korea
North Korea spent almost 30 years trying to normalize relations with the U.S., knowing it would legitimize the regime and generate international development assistance. Published November 19, 2024
