The trilateral summit at Camp David, which brought together leaders from the U.S., South Korea and Japan, showcased a united front with shared goals and commitments. However, a closer examination reveals underlying weaknesses and challenges that the three countries will need to address. 

Institutionalized and regularized trilateral military and security cooperation was one of the top commitments that the three leaders made, but the most notable limitation will be in defense — owing to built-in domestic political mechanisms in Seoul and Tokyo.