The Politics of Drugs: Perceptions, Power and Policies

Description

This book explores the complexities of drugs policy in Britain, contradicting the over simplified representation found in the public sphere. It focuses on developments in Britain since the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, covering debates at national level and local experiences set in international and European context, emphasizing the interconnectivity between people and countries in this global age. Several institutions and networks are examined to illustrate how they shape the policy process as vessels for ideas and interests and as spaces for individual action. MacGregor discusses arguments around drug policy reform, in particular the role of politicians, the media and advocacy organizations. Her aim is to encourage a more open and intelligent conversation on drugs policy and to question whether the institutional architecture in place is fit for purpose given the great increase of substances available and the underlying variety of conditions and interests currently competing for attention and resources. The is a must read for all scholars of Politics, Medicine and Social Science interested in the current debate raging around British Drug Policy. Front Matter ....Pages i-xx Introduction: Change and Continuity (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 1-26 UK Drug Policy (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 27-62 Local Impacts of Policy (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 63-99 The International Context (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 101-132 The Battle of Ideas (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 133-170 The Battle of Interests (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 171-202 Evidence and Policy (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 203-248 Politics and Drugs Policy in Britain (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 249-287 Conclusion: Conflict Resolution? (Susanne MacGregor)....Pages 289-328 Back Matter ....Pages 329-350