Finely-focused in approach, this collection of readings addresses the AIDS crisis from a purely political, policy, and bureaucratic perspective, reflecting contemporary research on the epidemic. Encourages readers to think in terms of "risk behavior" and not risk groups and shows that AIDS is truly a nondiscriminating virus. KEY TOPICS: Deals with the political and policy dimensions of AIDS -- revealing that this epidemic offers political scientists the opportunity to ask a variety of questions about politics and power and to do so from every subfield of the discipline. Presents a broad variety of perspectives -- yet explains how all share a common understanding of AIDS as a fundamentally challenging issue which calls for a highly political response. Shows that no issue--if it has socioeconomic and political implications --is outside the scope of government policy making. Discusses the politics of AIDS: ethical considerations; constitutional issues and constraints; the contradictions in delivery of public health services in a capitalist economy; the position of the disease within the current institutional and economic crisis of non-prosperous America; the actors involved in the AIDS issue arena. Examines the international-comparative dimension of the epidemic--considers how other nations have responded to the demands of AIDS. For special study on AIDS, for those in American Government, Public Policy, Public Health, Health Policy, and Interest Groups.