ABSTRACT
This project, which is situated at the intersection of international relations (IR) and foreign policy, builds upon the author’s earlier study of the strategic triangle concept and the three great powers: China, Russia, and the United States. This chapter discusses the rationale for a follow-up study and explores applicable IR theories, notably, the two main strands of realist thought – neorealism (structural realism) and neoclassical realism. Next, the refined TC3 (“tripolar order”) model and its elements are explained. Finally, this introductory chapter lists an overview of the organization of the book.
