---

This book examines the nature and consequences of strategic competition between the US and China, which affects the global security landscape and the emerging security architecture across the broader Asia-Pacific region. The author illustrates the evolution of Sino-US security interactions from the anti-Soviet alliance, to temporary marginalization, to eventual strategic competition and examines cases that could potentially escalate into greater conflicts. The analysis offers tantalizing glimpses into both the dangers and promising opportunities presented by this strategic fork in the road, making it of great interest to researchers and scholars in the fields of international relations and security studies.

---

Preface.- 1 From Tacit Allies to Strategic Competitors.- 2 System Transitional Fluidity.- 3 The Asian Pivot and a New Bipolarity.- 4 Maritime Disputes: Regional Hotspots or Systemic Flashpoints?.- 5 Strategic Competition in a Globalised World.- 6 Accommodation or Annihilation?.

---

S. Mahmud Ali studied at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and King´s College, London, where he earned a doctorate in international security studies, before embarking on a career in international news media based in London. He is the author of several volumes on Asia-Pacific security issues and has, since 2010, been an Associate with the East Asia International Affairs Programme at LSE IDEAS.

---