three-way confrontation; triangular rivalry
Describes a situation where three parties are in opposition or competition with each other.
The election campaign is taking on the appearance of a three-way confrontation.
The market remains in a state of triangular rivalry.
三つ巴 is a more idiomatic and vivid term for a three-way struggle, often used in sports or battles, while 三者対立 is a straightforward, formal compound.
Compound of 三者 (three parties) and 対立 (confrontation, opposition).