Rethinking Drug Laws: Theory, History, Politics

Drug laws are a major policy issue of the 21st century, with the global prohibition system failing. Rethinking Drug Laws offers a radical intellectual reappraisal of the international drug control system and presents alternative futures. It argues that to move beyond Western-centric thinking, China may become the most significant player in shaping the future of drug policy and control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Drugs permeate our daily lives across cultures worldwide, posing significant challenges for policy in the twenty-first century. The global prohibition system, established a century ago, is widely perceived as failing, leading to the emergence of alternative approaches in certain regions, particularly the Americas. Rethinking Drug Laws offers a radical intellectual reevaluation of the international drug control system, its origins, and potential alternatives. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the book develops novel theoretical and conceptual tools to understand drug control functions, presents original archival research on the origins of drug prohibition, and explores strategies for improving drug law reform.

At the core of the book is the argument that we must transcend Western-centric perspectives to address the global drug problem effectively. In the context of the Asian Century, there is speculation about whether China will emerge as the most influential player in shaping drug policy and control. This raises important questions about the future trajectory of drug policy and its impact on societies around the world.

The book explores various dimensions of the drug issue, including its historical roots, economic implications, and social consequences. It challenges the conventional wisdom that drug prohibition is the sole solution to the problem and advocates for a more nuanced and compassionate approach. The authors propose alternative policies, such as harm reduction strategies, drug decriminalization, and evidence-based drug policy, that aim to address the root causes of drug use while minimizing harm to individuals and communities.

Rethinking Drug Laws also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the global drug problem. The book highlights the need for a balanced and evidence-based approach that takes into account the diverse perspectives and needs of different countries and regions. It calls for a more inclusive and democratic drug policy process that involves stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers, researchers, civil society, and affected communities.

The book's interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from various fields, including law, economics, public health, and sociology, to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of drug control. It offers valuable insights into the complex web of factors that contribute to drug use and the challenges faced by policymakers in developing effective and sustainable drug policies.

In conclusion, Rethinking Drug Laws is a thought-provoking and timely book that challenges our conventional understanding of drug control and offers alternative perspectives and strategies for addressing the global drug problem. By escaping Western-centric thinking and adopting a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach, we can develop a better politics of drugs that promotes harm reduction, human rights, and social justice. As we navigate the complexities of the Asian Century, it is essential to consider the role of China and other countries in shaping the future of drug policy and control. By engaging in open dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable drug policy that benefits all societies.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192846525