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Cover image of Illegal Drugs, Economy, and Society in the Andes
Cover image of Illegal Drugs, Economy, and Society in the Andes
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Illegal Drugs, Economy, and Society in the Andes

Francisco E. Thoumi

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Some countries develop illegal drugs industries, and others do not. Discerning the distinguishing characteristics—social, economic, and political—of countries with these industries forms the subject of this sophisticated and humane study.

The author, Francisco E. Thoumi, though trained as an economist, rejects simplistic economic solutions as well as simplistic moral ones as he addresses the Andean countries of Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia and the attitudes and responses of the United States. He investigates how the United States and the Andean countries perceive drugs issues; the history...

Some countries develop illegal drugs industries, and others do not. Discerning the distinguishing characteristics—social, economic, and political—of countries with these industries forms the subject of this sophisticated and humane study.

The author, Francisco E. Thoumi, though trained as an economist, rejects simplistic economic solutions as well as simplistic moral ones as he addresses the Andean countries of Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia and the attitudes and responses of the United States. He investigates how the United States and the Andean countries perceive drugs issues; the history, structure, and evolution of drug industries in the Andes; the size of the industries in Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia; and their economic, political, and social effects in each country.

Thoumi also addresses the political systems and social characteristics of these countries and why they have been so vulnerable to influence from these industries. And he offers case studies of a variety of anti-drug efforts including crop substitution and alternative development, eradication, interdiction of illicit traffic and manufacturing facilities, and extradition to the United States of traffickers.

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Reviews

Contributes significantly to the literature, but it especially stands out in its logical organization, comprehensive coverage, broadly multidisciplinary approach, and systematic and comparative analysis.

Strong in organization, multidisciplinary approach, and comparative analysis, this volume is a comprehensive overview of the Andean drug problem.

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Francisco E. Thoumi

Francisco E. Thoumi received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Minnesota. He has been a professor at the Universidad de Los Andes, in Bogotá, California State University, and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and has worked for the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the United Nations Office of Drug Control and Crime Prevention. He is a member of the Colombian...
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