This edited volume explores the unique political history of the AIDS response from a number of different perspectives. In so doing, it provides invaluable insights to guide engagement as the response matures and charts a new course in a changing geo-political context. This book was published as a special issue of Contemporary Politics. "In my experience as Head of India's AIDS programme during its intense phase, and later as Regional Director of UNAIDS in Asia Pacific, I have seen how politics plays a major defining role in AIDS responses in Asia Pacific countries. Understanding politics is critical in managing difficult situations and delivering change. As Buse and colleagues outline in this welcome collection, if we want to provide services to men who have sex with men, trans-genders, drug users and sex workers, every decision is a difficult political decision" - Dr J.V.R. Prasada Rao, UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for AIDS "Whenever we have made progress on AIDS it was because of good politics. Whenever there was no progress, it was because of bad politics. This book provides unique analyses on the political forces and power relations that shaped the global AIDS response and provides critical lessons to shape the future" - Professor Peter Piot, Director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine "A judicious reminder that what is written, said, thought and done about the global AIDS crisis may no longer provide a self-assured basis upon which to construct future policy" - Professor Nana Poku, Dean, School of Social and International Studies, Bradford University "In this outstanding collection of essays, Buse, Altman and colleagues draw lessons from a thirty year struggle and make a timely call for paradigm shift in the global AIDS response" - John Ferguson Professorial Chair of African Studies, Bradford University ?