5.0 Introduction
Chapter Introduction
Beginning in the early 20th century, the United States began spearheading the implementation of international drug control policies that would guide Member States in the development of national policies. The first of these international efforts resulted in a set of resolutions developed during the 1909 Shanghai Convention. Numerous conventions followed, culminating in the three international drug conventions that are still in effect today. The primary focus of international drug control efforts, has been the elimination of the illegal manufacture, sale, trade, and use of psychoactive drugs while making sure there is enough supply for medical and research purposes. This chapter explores drug control policy in an international context from the early 1900s to the present day. Knowledge of the history of international controls is important for understanding how and why drug prohibition/criminalization became the means to address the manufacture, trade and use of psychoactive drugs nationally and globally. It also helps us to understand why this form of drug policy is so sedimented and resistant to change, despite all the evidence that it is a failed policy (See Chapter on Drug Prohibition and the War on Drugs).
Chapter Objectives/Learning Outcomes
After completing the chapter materials, you should have an understanding of:
- The history behind international drug control.
- The three international drug control conventions: the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961); the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971); and the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).
- Critiques and challenges to the existing international drug control framework, including at UNGASS and via changes in legislation in some countries.
- Recent changes relating to international policy, including the UN Common Position on Drug Policy (2018) and the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy (2020).
Questions to Think About When Completing Chapter Materials
- What are the three current international drug conventions? What is the purpose of each? How do they complement each other?
- How has the UN worked to reinforce drug control regimes such as the U.S. war on drugs?
- How have international drug control treaties contributed to the marginalization of minority populations across the globe?
- Despite a loosening of international drug prohibition, there are still many states that support this type of policy. What factors can explain this position, despite the evidence that drug prohibition is a failed policy?
