Lessons from history for abduction policy

Robert Dujarric addresses Japan’s painful issue of its citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and ’80s, and argues that a historical perspective might offer guidance on how to proceed. He notes that Japan’s approach had been largely hardline – demanding answers and sanctions on Pyongyang – driven by domestic outrage. However, looking at similar situations elsewhere (for instance, European dealings with hostile regimes over hostages or America’s approach to past detainee crises), Dujarric finds that outright pressure alone seldom succeeds. Instead, a combination of quiet diplomacy, back-channel negotiations, and carefully calibrated incentives often proves more effective in securing victims’ return or information about them.

Dujarric suggests Japan consider these historical lessons: perhaps being willing to talk to North Korea without preconditions, or even offering humanitarian aid or lifting some sanctions in exchange for progress on abductions. While politically difficult in Japan, he implies such flexibility ended hostage stalemates in other contexts. The article doesn’t advocate giving up principles, but rather being pragmatic – using history as a teacher that sometimes a stern posture must be coupled with diplomatic creativity. The ultimate goal is closure for the abductees’ families, and Dujarric intimates that Japan should employ any historically proven method that might achieve that humane end.