In this new book, noted scholars of Northeast Asia contribute new views on the future of the region. Collecting essays from experts of all 4 countries and their interconnected histories and political orders, the book helps to contextualize the future development of the region in the context of a US "Pivot to Asia." The four countries on the northern fringe of Asia went their separate ways after the end of the Cold War, but strengthening Sino-Russian relations and what may be the looming endgame in North Korea's strategy of threats and isolation are signs that we now need to think about this area also through its connections.  Looking back to what existed in an earlier incarnation of the Northern Tier and focusing on Chinese and Russian views of North Korea, we are able to explore the implications of increasingly close Sino-Russian relations. The book will be of great value to scholars, policymakers, and all passionate about exploring what's next for Russia and China's relationship.

1 Gilbert Rozman, The Russian Pivot to Asia.- 2 Paul Schwartz, Evolution of Sino-Russian Defense Cooperation since the Cold War.- 3 Alexander Lukin, Russia, China, and the Emerging Greater Eurasia.- 4 Stephen Blank, Russo-Chinese Relations in Strategic Perspective.- 5 Zhao Huasheng, Sino-Russian Relations in Central Asia.- 6 Richard Weitz, Russia, China, and Central Asia: Time for Decision.- 7 Sergey Radchenko, Sino-Russian Competition in Mongolia.- 8 Mark Minton, A Stronger Korea-Mongolia Link in a Changing Northeast Asia.- 9 Jargalsaikhany Mendee, Mongolia's Dilemma: A Politically Linked, Economically Isolated Small Power.- 10 Sergey Radchenko, Mongolia Hangs in the Balance: Political Choices and Economic Realities in a State Bounded by China and Russia.- 11 Cheng Xiaohe, Chinese Strategic Thinking Regarding North Korea.- 12 Catherine Jones, China's Interests, Actors, and the Implementation of Sanctions against North Korea.- 13 Alexander Lukin, Russian Strategic Thinking Regarding North Korea.- 14 Stephen Blank, Making Sense of the Russo-North Korea Rapprochement.- 15 Sergey Radchenko and Gilbert Rozman, The Sino-Russian-North Korean Northern Triangle: Positive Scenarios and Negative Scenarios.- 16 Gilbert Rozman, North Korea's Place in Sino-Russian Relations and Identities.