The international dimension of drug policy reform in Uruguay

AUTHOR(S)
Jonas von Hoffmann (Latin American Centre and Department of Politics and International Relations)
The international dimension of drug policy reform in Uruguay

This paper shows that, when, and, how international factors and actors contributed to Uruguay's drug policy reform process.  Two ways in which the international dimension manifested itself are identified.  First, as drug policy debate around the world changed, the context for reforms in Uruguay evolved.  This resulted in a rather mixed international reaction to Uruguay's reform proposal.  Second, international actors became directly involved in the process.  Drug policy experts informed and legitimated cannabis reform and transnational advocates supported campaigning and mobilisation in Uruguay.

By unearthing the international dimension of Uruguay's drug policy reform, the paper adds a novel perspective to the study of drug policy reform in the Uruguay.