On fixing the international drug control regime: bridging the gap between evidence and politics

Abstract: The war on drugs has failed. The 'world drug problem' is bigger than ever. The repressive law-enforcement policies are counterproductive. What now? A new approach is needed, one that accepts the fact that drugs cannot be eliminated from society, but focuses on the harm that it causes, so says science. But is the world ready to adopt this new approach? It does not seem to be the case. This thesis uncovers the political dynamics of the international drug control regime. The main focus is on assessing what is standing in the way of moving towards an evidence-based global drug policy. It does so by applying different theories on regimes and regime-change to the issue of drug policy. Although it is established that the pressures needed for regime change are clearly present, there are certain factors that cause the current 'war on drugs' regime to stick. This thesis combines a rationalist approach with more constructivist criticism and ideas. By way of merging wisdom from both paradigms, four categories of challenges to regime change are identified: institutional challenges, power and interests challenges, domestic challenges and framing challenges. Additionally, ways to overcome these challenges are addressed with an outlook on fixing the international drug control regime.