Anti-Drugs Policies of the European Union - by M Elvins (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Martin Elvins' book is the first to trace the evolution of anti-drugs policies at European Union level from the late 1960s to the present. Phases of drug policy development, key policy actors and institutions are described with particular reference to the influence of transnational networks of expertise. Policy development is placed in the context of both European integration and a broad harmonization of international policies against drug trafficking. Concerns are also raised about secretive and anti-democratic features on intergovernmental EU decision-making.

Review Quotes

'This fascinating study casts a sharp light on the intricate and multi-layered interactions of bureaucracy and politics in European Union decision-making.' - Sol Picciotto, Lancaster University Law School, UK

'Martin Elvins' book systematically covers the history of European drug-policy; looking at the interplay of institutions and knowledge in shaping the agenda and guiding enforcement. Whiles states have broadened the domain of their functional authority, the policies that they actually follow are subject to institutionalized beliefs provided by transnational networks of law enforcement professionals. He treats the multiple policy networks involved in such activities, thus shedding light more broadly on the emergent politics of globalization. He raises important normative issues for advanced democratic societies about the trade offs between secrecy, state sovereignty, accountability, expertise, and good policy while states strive to maintain technocratic legitimacy.' - Peter M. Haas, Professor of Politics, University of Massachusetts

'Based on extensive and orginal research, Martin Elvins' book clearly and meticuously charts the EU's growing involvement in policies aimed at tackling the escalating international drugs problem.' - Neill Nugent, Professor of Politics and Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Manchester Metropolitan University

About the Author

MARTIN ELVINS is a Lecturer in European Politics at the University of Dundee. He has a PhD from the Department of Politics and International Relations, Lancaster University.