The discussion contrasts the Bolivian experience from that of other countries in Latin America. It emphasizes that the production of coca and cocaine in Bolivia is essentially an economic or development problem and that although coca's economic rewards helped to cushion the worst extremes of poverty, they did not bring sustained development in terms of improved housing, education, or health. The economic benefits have included an improvement in rural incomes, employment, and inflow of foreign exchange. The analysis also demonstrates how coca and cocaine are inextricably linked to Bolivia's economic stabilization prospects, to incipient militarization of the society, to internal political dynamics, and to efforts to solve the underlying problems of poverty in the country. The discussion concludes that even the success of alternative development would not materially alter Bolivian coca production or the availability of cocaine for the international market. Figure, tables, chapter reference notes, list of acronyms, index, and 103 references