Conclusions and Implications

Of all the countries in the world that would seemingly have a rational basis to

cooperate with the international community to combat the AIDS epidemic, South

Africa would surely be at the top of that list. It is the dominant political and economic

player in sub-Saharan Africa and an increasingly important actor on the international

diplomatic stage. With apartheid’s end in 1994, the world eagerly anticipated

South Africa’s reintegration into the international community. Its inspiring story

of overcoming racial prejudice, its charismatic leadership, and its promise for the

future excited many.