This book provides an overview of the social, economic, and political impact of AIDS around the world. The sudden appearance and rapid spread of AIDS has given birth to an enormous amount of literature. This volume summarizes recent writings about AIDS and provides a framework for thinking about the eventual consequences of this world-wide epidemic. As an interdisciplinary work, this text draws upon research from diverse fields, such as anthropology, demography, economics, epidemiology, history, political science, public health, social psychology, and sociology. The volume begins with a look at the spread of AIDS and its prevalence throughout the developing world. Special attention is given to AIDS in the United States in one chapter, and other chapters discuss the international response to AIDS, including public and government reactions.