Literature review on the topic: A Critical Study of the Role of Science Diplomacy in Multilateral Counterdrug Regimes

Title

A Critical Study of the Role of Science Diplomacy in Multilateral Counterdrug Regimes

Abstract

The research will seek to answer an essential question: what the role of science diplomacy in treaty implementation and multilateral action in the area of drug control is. It will include analysis of political, economic, social factors and the different flows (knowledge, norms and practices) that have shaped discourse in the drug control arena. In addition, special attention will be paid to the stakeholders of global drug control diplomacy and to the different scales of this diplomacy and various actors involved in the current issues such as the opioid crisis. The key objective is to identify new frontiers in the interplay between Science Diplomacy in addressing new and emerging global challenges in illicit drug control.

Background and Significance

During the 19^th century, opium and cocaine in various forms and mixtures were widely used primarily for palliative and tranquilizing purposes at all levels of society in Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.¹ The period is characterized by limited control over such substances and scant knowledge of addiction and abuse. Drug use was a personal choice and there is no evidence of social disapproval related to drugs. While addiction and misuse were common, this arose more out of ignorance of the physiological and medical effects of drugs rather than the pursuit of intoxication. Records in the US for example, describe the typical 19^th century addict as female, white; often "housewives" and medical professionals.²

Illicit drugs are chemical substances that produce either stimulatory (cocaine or amphetamines) or inhibitory (heroin or sedative-hypnotics) effects on the central nervous system or cause hallucinogenic effects (Cannabis or LSD), which has led to their restriction and prohibition globally³. Over the past two decades there has been a marked increase in prescription of opioid medications by healthcare providers following recommendations by pharmaceutical companies. This has resulted in widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids before it became clear that these medications could be highly addictive.⁴ In response, the United States Department of Health and Human Services in  2017 declared the opioid issue a