The first part of the book addresses Colombia's economic development and its political economy. This section analyzes Colombia's post-World War II economic development, so as to understand the profound social and economic changes in the country and the reasons that economic policies were formulated and implemented. The author's explanation of what has happened in Colombia differs from mainstream economics on the one hand and from traditional theorizing of the political left on the other hand. This alternative interpretation views political and economic variables as parts of an interactive whole. The author links political party development, the characteristics of the development process, the prevalence of violence in Colombia, and other socioeconomic variables. The second and third parts of the book discuss the illegal psychoactive drugs industry. Part 2 summarizes what is known about the illegal drugs industry in Colombia -- its history, structure, entrepreneurs, size, and government policies -- and develops a theory to explain why the marijuana industry burgeoned in Colombia in the early 1970's, to be followed by cocaine refining. Part 3 addresses the impact of the illegal drugs industry on Colombia and the policy alternatives open to the Colombian government to relieve some of the Nation's distress. The impact of the drug industry on the economy is analyzed, addiction theories are surveyed, and an evaluation of supply and consumption control policies is provided. 294-item bibliography, a subject index, and a glossary