The Republic of Korea’s Foreign Policy Strategy Within the “Camp David Triangle” in 2023—2025 and Seoul’s Integration into the Emerging US-Led “Latticework” Security Architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region

The article analyzes the integration of the Republic of Korea into the emerging US-led “latticework” security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. It focuses on the institutionalization of the “Camp David Triangle” (US–South Korea–Japan) as a key element within a network of minilateral partnerships designed to supplement the traditional “hub-and-spokes” system of bilateral alliances. The article’s objectives include: identifying the reasons for the rapprochement between South Korea and Japan despite persistent historical tensions; assessing Seoul’s role and motives within the new structure; analyzing the potential sustainability of the “latticework” architecture; and forecasting the next steps for the US and its regional partners. The methodological framework of the study relies on the “prospect – threat” alliance model, which explains a state’s willingness to accept greater risks and concessions in response to heightened perceived threats. Bence Nemeth’s hypothesis on the synergy of structural and situational factors is also applied to analyze the dynamics of cooperation. As a result, the author concludes that the sustainability of the “Camp David Triangle” remains questionable due to unresolved historical contradictions and its dependence on situational factors. However, a distinctive feature of the new “latticework” security architecture is its flexibility, which allows it to adapt and weather periods of reduced activity.

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