List of Abbreviations List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Introductory Discussion Theoretical Underpinning and Methodological Tools The Taiwan Strait Crisis, 1995-96 The Bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, 1999 The 'Spy Plane' Incident, 2001 Concluding Discussion Notes Bibliography Primary Source Material for Empirical Chapters

Examining twenty-first century relations between the US and China, Shepperd investigates three well publicised crises between these states, highlighting how social interests relating to identity and emotional needs were key dynamics driving these interactions and their transformation.

TARYN SHEPPERD teaches International Relations at the University of St. Andrews, UK. She is also an Associate Lecturer in Politics with the Open University in Scotland, UK.