► The security architecture is once again on the verge of being reconfigured in Asia with an emerging system of bilateral alliances with the United States at the center, reinforced by a number of minilateralisms and intensified political relations by China, Russia, North Korea, and even Iran. ► The U.S.-centered security architecture has changed dramatically from the bilateral, alliance-centric ...

► Triangles and triangular structures have a long history in the field of diplomacy, and triangular diplomacy appears to be turning to Northeast Asia today. ► The North Korea, Russia, and China configuration reveals to be less a strategic triangle and more engagement along traditional bilateral lines.   ► Looking ahead, advancing United States, Republic of Korea, and Japan t...

► North Korea's aggressive provocations and escalation of its nuclear threat level have raised South Korea's security anxiety and created a distrust of U.S. extended deterrence, sharply increasing the need for security cooperation among the United States, South Korea, and Japan that share the North Korean nuclear threat. ► North Korea responded to these changes through diplomatic and mil...