"The North Korean nuclear stalemate poses a stark challenge to tripartite security relations among the United States, South Korea, and Japan. How the North Korean issue is managed will redefine the security relationship among the three countries. In particular, how and to what extent the United States, South Korea, and Japan collaborate in the six-party talks (along with China and Russia) will demonstrate whether the trilateral process can play a constructive role in managing the security environment in Northeast Asia." "This book does not argue for stronger security ties among the three countries based solely on a shared understanding of the threats posed by North Korea. Nor does it look toward containment of a rising China or resurgent Russia for its strategic rationale. Rather, the authors argue for broadening the foundation on which the three nations' ties rest. A better understanding of the complex weave of interests and values that binds the United States, South Korea, and Japan will stabilize the relationships and make them more resilient and adaptable to future developments."--BOOK JACKET.