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Drugs and Politics (377-0-20)

Instructors

Ana Arjona
Scott Hall, Room 237
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/ana-arjona.html

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L07: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course explores the complex relationship between illegal drugs and politics, asking how drug production, distribution, and consumption shape political institutions, violence, governance, and policy responses at local, national, and international levels. With a primary focus on North, Central, and South America, we will examine both theoretical and empirical perspectives on these connections. The course is structured into three parts. We begin with an overview of drug markets, defining key terms, identifying types of drugs, and tracing the historical development of drug production, transportation, and consumption patterns, especially in the Americas. Next, we investigate how illicit drug economies influence political life, focusing on patterns of drug-related violence, the role of drug trafficking groups as de facto rulers in local communities, and the factors that drive participation in illicit drug markets. In the final section, we assess drug policies, beginning with the U.S.-led "war on drugs" before exploring alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legalization

Registration Requirements

Attendance at first class required

Learning Objectives

  • Students will develop a critical understanding of the links between the illicit drug trade and politics at the local, national, and regional levels.
  • Students will learn about the relation between major problems in the U.S. and Latin America and the illicit drug trade.
  • Students will develop a critical understanding of drug policy.
  • Students will improve their analytical skills for studying political and social phenomena. In particular, they will improve their capacity to evaluate statements about causal effects.
  • Students will improve their analytical skills for evaluating public policies. In particular, they will improve their capacity to evaluate normative and positive statements and the links between them.

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion sections

Evaluation Method

Throughout the quarter, students will conduct research on a case of their choosing. Each week, they will submit a brief memo summarizing their findings. Building on this research, they will write a final paper that focuses on their case. Students will also deliver one presentation and are expected to participate actively in discussion sections, which will contribute to their grade. There is no midterm or final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - University Hall 118: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Scott Hall 212: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - University Hall 412: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - University Hall 218: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM