Prohibition and Beyond. A Critical History of Drug Control

The international drug control regime emerged from a complex interplay of economic, political, social, and medical forces. This study critically compares the formal objectives proclaimed in treaties, conventions, action plans, and national legislations with the less transparent — and often less defensible — goals revealed by a broader range of sources, as well as with the disappointing results achieved by the existing system. As global scrutiny of the prohibitionist model intensifies, understanding the drivers behind the evolution of drug policies is crucial to ensure that future reforms prioritize human rights and public well-being over corporate interests and market opportunities.