trilateralism

Trilateralism refers to cooperation, coordination, or dialogue among three states, organizations, or regions to address shared interests. In international relations, trilateral arrangements can cover political security, economic policy, and cultural or environmental issues. Proponents argue that addressing issues through three-way forums can simplify negotiation, pool resources, and reduce the likelihood of deadlock that can accompany broader multilateral processes. Critics note that trilateralism can privilege the agendas of a few actors and may sideline other parties or broader governance mechanisms.

Historically, the concept gained prominence in the late 20th century through the work of the Trilateral Commission, founded in 1973 by David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski. The commission promoted closer cooperation among three regional blocs — North America, Western Europe, and East Asia — to help shape the evolving global order. The term entered policy discourse as a descriptive label for formal and informal trilateral forums and networks that emerged to manage shared interests across regions.

Notable trilateral bodies and forums include the Trilateral Commission itself, a private think tank; the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Seoul to advance China–Japan–South Korea cooperation; and the Trilateral Security Dialogue among the United States, Japan, and Australia, established to discuss regional security issues. Similar arrangements have been used at various times to address trade, investment, environmental challenges, and technology issues among three players.

Today, trilateralism coexists with bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Supporters see it as a pragmatic means of aligning interests among the world’s three major economic or political centers, while critics warn that it can be elitist, exclusive, or instrumentalized to advance particular national agendas rather than broader international norms. Its relevance depends on whether three-way formats complement or bypass wider multilateral governance.