Risk has emerged as a key mechanism for controlling the future and learning from past misfortunes. How did risk influence policy makers’ responses to COVID-19? How will they be judged for their decisions? Drawing on case studies from the UK, China, Japan, New Zealand and the US, this original text explores policy responses to COVID-19 through the lens of risk. The book considers how different countries framed the pandemic, categorised their populations and communicated risk. It also evaluates the role of the media, conspiracy theories and hindsight in shaping responses to COVID-19. As we reflect on the ‘first wave’, this book offers a vital resource for anticipating future responses to crises.