Forging a Stronger Triangle: Can Regionalism and Economic Integration Help?

Strengthening economic ties among South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the United States would contribute to shared goals and facilitate growth in the wider Asia-Pacific community. After reviewing Korea-Southeast Asia ties, this paper suggests that a non-exclusive triangle should be forged within the framework of both ASEAN-centered regional organizations and U.S.-backed trans-Pacific initiatives, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It ends with suggestions for the future.