Geopolitical Triangles in the Context of International Security

Geopolitical triangles play an important role in changing the balance of power in the international arena in the context of competition between traditional and emerging powers. In political discourse, there are several different interpretations of the concept of “triangle†. The formation of triangles occurs under the simultaneous influence of two factors - the political strategy of the states and the geopolitical situation. The article explores the configuration of triangles in the post-bipolar world. Particular attention is paid to the selection criteria for countries lying at the top of triangles: these are either the most powerful states (both traditional and emerging powers), or pivot countries.In comparison to 1970-s with one strategic triangle (US-China-Russia) currently there are many regional geopolitical triangles, representing predominantly ascending centers of power, which affect not only regional security and maintain balance of power in the respective regions, but also have global impact. The article presents a theoretical overview of triangles based on an applied analysis of the US-China-Russia strategic triangle, as well as of two regional interaction schemes that are important for the Russian foreign policy strategy – Russia-India-China and Russia-Iran-Turkey.The interaction in the strategic triangle of the RF-China-USA is analyzed in an article in the political sphere (within the framework of the UN, international institutes BRICS, SCO, EAEU, Belt and Road Initiative), in the economic and financial fields, infrastructural, scientific potentials are compared, as well as military potential and military technologies. For applied analysis of this traditional triangle, the theoretical scheme of L. Dittmer is used.The conclusion is made about the ideal configuration of geopolitical triangles and the redistribution of the power potential of traditional and emerging centers of power within the strategic triangle of the RF-PRC-USA.