Analysis: Institutionalizing the trilateral partnership amid leadership instabilities
Not one, not two, but three states in the midst of domestic political uncertainty…
Event or Trend: The leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan announced the establishment of a trilateral secretariat during the APEC summit in November 2024. This institutionalization aims to strengthen security cooperation.
Significance: The establishment of a trilateral secretariat is a landmark development for cooperation in East Asia. Its creation signals a commitment to deeper integration in an era of heightened geopolitical tension, marked by North Korea's provocations, Russia’s re-emergence, and China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. However, its potential success hinges on domestic political stability among its stakeholders.
Leadership uncertainties in the U.S. under Donald Trump, Japan under Shigeru Ishiba, and South Korea under Yoon Suk-yeol risk undermining the continuity and efficacy of this initiative. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers and businesses to assess the prospects of sustained cooperation and its broader implications for secu…