This book examines the way in which society interacts with science, and the means by which political and other leaders use and misuse science and engineering. Case studies, such as the handling of 'mad cow disease', reveal both how mistakes are often made in handling science and technology, and also how good practice can contribute to the public interest. Each of the chapters is focused on an issue of public debate - such as the environment or unemployment, and uses recent examples and historic parallels to demonstrate different aspects of the relationship between science and the rest of society.