New Strategy for International Narcotics Control

• NCJ Number: 159445
• Journal: Low Intensity Conflict and Law Enforcement Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 1-28
• Author(s): E G Corr; J Van Doorn
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Manwaring's proposed strategy and theory of engagement for low-intensity conflict provides the foundation for a new strategy and theory of engagement in a renewed effort in international narcotics control.

Abstract

The first and most important criterion of the Manwaring paradigm is "legitimacy," which involves ensuring that operations and projects are conducted in such a way that the host-country officials are viewed by their public as being in charge. This legitimacy criterion may mean a smaller U.S. presence in drug- producing countries and a lower public and diplomatic profile by U.S. officials. United States efforts abroad should promote "organization for unity of effort," the second criterion of the paradigm. Unity of effort derives from common agreement upon objectives. The "type and consistency of support" is the third Manwaring criterion. The point of this criterion is to support the host country's way of doing things as much as possible so long as the methods are not offensive to human values and decent comportment. The "reduction of outside aid to the traffickers," which flows from the fourth criterion, is achieved by lowering demand in the United States so as to reduce the world's biggest and most lucrative market for drugs, preventing money laundering, and stopping the export of precursor chemicals needed to process narcotics to the traffickers. The final criterion is to improve the "discipline and capabilities of the supported government's police and armed forces." In addition to profiling the Manwaring paradigm, this article also discusses the persistence of the narcotics problem, the long-range nature of solutions to illicit drug consumption, the evolution of U.S. government narcotics control programs and strategies, and the growing political will of leaders of many major narcotics-trafficking and producing countries to combat traffickers. 4 tables and 54 notes