Re-thinking balance of power politics involving south Asia : the strategic triangular fix

Abstract

The identification of triangular relationships in international relations has led to detailed studies and theorizations of the prominent patterns observed in such scenarios. Over the past five decades, strategic triangular relations involving Asian states have featured prominently due to the involvements and interferences by the various great powers from within and outside the region. The Sino-Indo-Pakistani strategic triangle, which will be discussed in this paper, serves as one of the best case study examples due to its enduring nature. Both during and after the Cold War, the triangular game between them was being played extensively while in the latter period US' interests in the region also became broader and all three states realised the strategic value of prudently engaging the hegemonic state.