Counter-Demand Approaches to Narcotics Trafficking
Document Type
Article
Department
Politics and Economics (CGU)
Publication Date
2010
Disciplines
Defense and Security Studies | Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
The illegal narcotics demand in the US is discussed in relation to the products supplied by the Mexican cartels. This is then contrasted with major legal commodities with addictive properties consumed in the US. Overlaps of use are also noted. Traditional, right of center, and left of center counter-demand approaches to narcotics trafficking are also surveyed. All of these approaches represent no-win scenarios for the US with its ‘troubled population’ of addicted users. Final analysis suggests that a blended counter-demand strategy should be explored based on extinguishing demand, coercing the users, and, to some extent, fulfilling user demand by the provision of prescription narcotics to ‘special status’ addicts and by means of limited decriminalization of personal marijuana use. Such a suggested strategy would have its own negative elements and should be considered less of a bad choice than the other, even worse, US counter-demand policy options that exist.
Rights Information
© 2010 Taylor and Francis
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.1080/09592310903561700
Recommended Citation
Bunker, R. J., & Begert, M. (2010). Counter-demand approaches to narcotics trafficking. [Special Issue: Narcos Over the Border: Gangs, Cartels, Mercenaries and the Invasion of America.] Small Wars & Insurgencies, 21(1), 196-217. doi:10.1080/09592310903561700
