The U.S. War on Drugs at Home and Abroad

verfasst von: Jonathan D. Rosen

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book examines the U.S. war on drugs at home and abroad. It provides a brief history of the war on drugs. In addition, it analyzes drug trafficking and organized crime in Colombia and Mexico, and the role of the United States government in counternarcotics policies. This work also examines the opioid epidemic, addiction, and alternative policies.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief history of the war on drugs. It analyzes the policy proposals of the Richard Nixon administration, which launched the war on drugs in 1971, to the Donald Trump administration. This chapter also highlights the objectives of this book. It seeks to provide a brief guide to the war on drugs at home and abroad. The work is not heavy on theory and methodology but rather seeks to be accessible to students, experts, and policymakers looking to learn more about this subject. This chapter also justifies the case selection and provides an overview of the book.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Chapter 2. The Drug War in Colombia

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the war on drugs in Colombia. It begins by examining the linkages between cocaine trafficking between Colombia and South Florida, which elevated the drug trade on the security agenda of the United States. This chapter then examines the Medellín and Cali cartels and their role in drug trafficking and organized crime. It also analyzes Plan Colombia, a multi-billion-dollar foreign aid package designed to combat drug production and trafficking. This chapter explores how the goals of Plan Colombia evolved over time and the consequences of this policy. The chapter focuses on recent trends in coca production and the evolution of criminal groups, such as the criminal bands. Finally, it examines the impact of the peace process and the return to the war on drugs during the Duque administration.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Chapter 3. Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in Mexico

Abstract

This chapter examines drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico. It begins with a history of drug trafficking and how it has evolved over time. It focuses on the 71-year rule by a single political party and the transition to democracy in 2000, which had an impact on the relationship between the state and organized crime. This chapter then examines Felipe Calderón’s war on drugs and the Mérida Initiative, a U.S.-funded plan, to help the Mexican government combat drug trafficking and organized crime. It then examines recent trends in drug trafficking, organized crime, and counternarcotic policies, focusing on the Peña Nieto and López Obrador governments. It examines opium production and the evolution of organized crime in the State of Guerrero. Finally, this chapter analyzes the impact of the Coronavirus on organized crime and the challenges combating corruption and impunity.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Chapter 4. Addiction, Fentanyl, and the Border

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the issue of drug addiction as well as the trafficking of drugs through Mexico en route to the United States. It begins with an examination of OxyContin and the Sackler family. It focuses on the role that marketing played in the opioid crisis in the United States. This chapter also provides stories of addiction, focusing on the real-world impact that the opioid epidemic has had on people. It then turns to the case of fentanyl and Philadelphia, analyzing not only drug trafficking but also alternative policies, such as safe injection sites. Finally, it explains how drugs are trafficked through the border from Mexico.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Chapter 5. Prisons and the Consequences of Tough on Crime Policies at Home and Abroad

Abstract

This chapter concentrates on the linkages between the war on drugs and the prison population in the United States and in the Americas. It highlights the impact of three-strike laws and addresses other important topics, such as race, women, drugs, and the increasing prison population. This chapter sheds light on the challenges of recidivism and provides data about the cost of the massive prison population. It also stresses that prosecutorial discretion has been a contributing factor in the increasing prison population, not just the war on drugs. This chapter then turns to trends in prison in other countries in the Americas, highlighting the impact of the drug war on the incarceration populations.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Chapter 6. Conclusion

Abstract

This chapter is the concluding chapter. It examines the militarization of the war on drugs and the need to rethink drug-related policies. It focuses on learning the importance of context as opposed to policies that can be exported to other countries. This chapter also highlights the need to reduce corruption and reforms of various institutions. Finally, it highlights some alternative policies that countries have implemented, such as decriminalization.

Jonathan D. Rosen

Backmatter

Titel: The U.S. War on Drugs at Home and Abroad
verfasst von: Jonathan D. Rosen
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-71734-6
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-71733-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71734-6