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Foreign Narcotics Policy of the United States Since 1980: An End to the War On Drugs?

NCJ Number
151580
Journal
International Journal Volume: 49 Dated: (Winter 1993-94) Pages: 40-65
Author(s)
W O Walker III
Date Published
1993
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Drug control policies are discussed.
Abstract
This article examines how the reconsideration of United States drug policy has occurred. It begins by evaluating recent developments in global narco-politics; next, it analyses the state of narco-diplomacy in the Americas. It then briefly considers how international institutions have become more involved in drug control efforts and then ends by suggesting what may take place during the Clinton presidency. The underlying assumption is that the old order, predicated upon supply-side tactics and led since the early 1930s by the United States, is being challenged. Whether transformation of the drug control regime will occur remains uncertain, but preconditions for substantive changes certainly exist. The author concludes that if truly radical changes do take place, then the war on drugs as we have known it might indeed be at an end. The author predicts that the role of bilateral diplomacy will likely diminish in importance and that the ultimate fate of the Drug Enforcement Administration will provide a good indication of the importance ascribed to drug policy for the remainder of the Clinton presidency. An overview of the developments in the war on drugs in South America is provided.