International drug policies: the US and the European Union approaches to reduce drug production. Colombia as a case study

• In Event: Drug policies in Latin America: a survey of main approaches and obstacles to reduce drug production and drug trafficking

Abstract

The United States and the European Union are the main cocaine consumers. Historically, both countries have pursued different approaches to deal with drug production and consumption. The United States has based its drug policy on law enforcement measures which implies the application of repressive policies to combat drug consumption and trafficking. The European Union has showed an approach much less repressive. Nowadays, harm reduction policies seem to be the most desirable way to approach drug consumption for both actors. Nevertheless, both the United States and the European Union are still pursuing different approaches to deal with drug production in Latin America. With Colombia as a case study, I examine the application of these two approaches. Pointing out their weaknesses, I explain why these approaches have not been effective in reducing drug production. I conclude that the coexistence of both approaches is an obstacle to solve the drug production problem in Latin America

Author

• Ana Torres, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija