3 year old behavioral problems

I have a 3 1/2 year old nephew that I love to death, BUT he is so defiant it is unbelievable.  He'll be about to do something he shouldn't and we'll warn him not to and threaten to spank him or give him a time out and he'll look you in the eyes and do it ANYWAY.  Most times after he does something wrong, he'll run and you have to chase him down to disipline him.  At times, he will go into a SCREAMING fit that will last up to an hour.  After he is done, he is truly the sweetest little kid in the world.  Any suggestions?  He just does not seem to be afraid of ANYTHING.  Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

If you read this Forum on a regular basis, you will probably know what I'm about to say. It will be important to develop a systematic approach, not different approaches. to managing this boy's behavior. A good example of what I am suggesting can be found in Lynn Clark's book S.O.S.: Help for Parents.