This paper is a synthesis of findings from four country case studies and background research on the political dimensions of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) approach. It aims to make a contribution to the debate on the relevance of politics in order better to understand and improve development and poverty reduction processes, and in particular the new kind of aid relationships promoted by the PRSP approach. It illustrates, through the use of concrete examples, how development assistance in support of PRSP processes cannot but be embedded in national political systems and processes.