International Origins of Nixon's War on Drugs

Abstract

President Richard Nixon initiated the modern war on drugs after being influenced by his keen interest in foreign policy and foreign influences on American society. Phases of hysteria preceded Nixon's drug war and led to development of anti-drug legislation and a global policy to control international narcotics trafficking. Nixon's drug war strategy changed over time and was mainly a three pronged all-out offensive consisting of international supply reduction, law enforcement, and drug abuse and treatment program.