Triangle Research and Understanding Northeast Asian Politics

Despite the importance and frequency of the triadic relationship in international relations, triangular phenomena remain poorly understood. The Northeast Asian region has spawned a fertile ground for generating a host of overlapping triangles. A proliferation of dyadic rivalries, bilateral alignments, and the overlap of great-power spheres of influence have all contributed to the creation of multiple triangles. The complex nature of the politics of the region by way of lateral linkage forces us to have a triadic view. This article surveys how international relations and area scholars explain triadic interstate exchanges, and illustrates how foreign policymakers take advantage of triangular dynamics, define security triangles, and analyze the basic characteristics of triangles as lateral linkages. The conclusion briefly reflects on security triangles of the Korean peninsula.