Publication

Against the backdrop of a regional security environment increasingly challenged by evolving dynamics in China and Korea, this paper proposes an innovative response: trilateral strategic cooperation between Japan, the US and Vietnam. While some countries in the region enjoy unparalleled growth in economic and political power, the economic recession has imposed financial constraints on the security strategies of others. The authors argue that the traditional bilateral security arrangements inherited from the Cold War must evolve to embrace more robust burden sharing, stronger assurances and clearer commitments from all parties. This dynamic period requires new, flexible security partnerships to meet modern challenges at the "minilateral" level.