AIDS, South Africa, and the Politics of Knowledge

Through its examination of epistemic and counter-epistemic communities, this book helps scholars of Africa and global health comprehend how the South African government could accept explanations about AIDS that challenge the mainstream international AIDS control regime. The book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the politics of AIDS by investigating how historical experiences and clashes of identity shape state responses to the disease.Dr. Amy S. Patterson, Calvin College, USAThis study highlights the relevance and importance of Africa to international affairs. The actions of African states calls into question many of our basic assumptions and challenges us to refine our analytical framework. Ideally suited to scholars interested in African studies, international organizations, global governance and infectious diseases. Through an in-depth examination of the interactions between the South African government and the international AIDS control regime, Youde examines not only the emergence of an epistemic community but also the development of a counter-epistemic community offering fundamentally different understandings of AIDS and radically different policy prescriptions. In addition, individuals have become influential in the crafting of the South African government's AIDS policies, despite universal condemnation from the international scientific community. This study highlights the relevance and importance of Africa to international affairs. The actions of African states calls into question many of our basic assumptions and challenges us to refine our analytical framework. Ideally suited to scholars interested in African studies, international organizations, global governance and infectious diseases. Contents: Introduction; Knowledge and international policymaking; Counter-epistemic communities; History and public health in South Africa; Identity, AIDS, and public health in South Africa; South Africa AIDS policies and the counter-epistemic community; Conclusions and implications; Works cited; Index.About the Author: Jeremy R. Youde is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Grinnell College, USA.