Baienkova Y. Evolution of the relationships in the triangle India-China-USA in the terms of globalization

The concept of a strategic triangle has become familiar to analysts of international affairs. It refers to a situation in which three major powers are sufficiently important to each other that a change in the relationship between any two of them has a significant impact on the interests of the third. The greater that impact, the greater is the significance of the triangular relationship. India, China and the United States in this new strategic triangle have both common and divergent interests. Although there may be continued talk of "partnerships" or "alignments" on all sides of the triangle, and although each pair of countries will find common ground on particular issues, overall the relationships among them are likely to remain fluid. The shape of this triangle will most likely vary over time, depending on the relative salience of different international issues at any given moment and on the policies, аdopted by Beijing and New Delhi. It is unlikely that the triangle will sufficiently shift to form an enduring alignment of two against one. If it did, given the relative power of the three countries, it is most likely that the alignment would pit India and the United States against a more assertive China. But such an arrangement is not in the American interest. Rather, Americans should prefer a triangle in which the United States can work together with both India and China to advance common interests.