Few periods in Australian political history have generated more controversy than 2001–2004.

Trials and Transformations examines the Howard Government's electoral revival in 2001, the collapse of HIH Insurance and Ansett Airlines, and the MV Tampa and 'children overboard' affairs as well as the military invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Frank Bongiorno, Simon Crean, Philip Ruddock, John Howard and others also consider the escalation of the history wars, policy announcements in health and the environment, and the continuing strong performance of the Australian economy.

This third volume in the Howard Government series draws on official documents, private papers and personal items donated to UNSW Canberra, now held in the Howard Library at Old Parliament House.