From Opium Wars to Fentanyl: A History of the War on Drugs

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Join us as we embark on a journey through the complex and often tragic history of the War on Drugs. We'll trace its roots back to the Opium Wars of the 19th century, exploring how global power dynamics and racial biases have shaped drug policy and its devastating consequences. We'll examine the failed policies of prohibition, the rise of mass incarceration, and the ongoing struggles with addiction and overdose, particularly the current fentanyl crisis. This episode will delve into the human cost of the War on Drugs and explore potential paths towards a more just and effective approach to drug policy.

CIA Involvement in Southeast Asian Drug Trafficking:

"The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade" by Alfred W. McCoy. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the CIA's alleged involvement in the heroin trade during the Vietnam War era.

amazon.com

"Guns, Drugs, and the CIA" – A PBS Frontline investigation exploring the CIA's connections to drug trafficking.

pbs.org

Nixon Administration's War on Drugs and Its Racial Implications:

"Nixon Adviser Admits War on Drugs Was Designed to Criminalize Black People" – An article discussing admissions by Nixon's aide about the true intentions behind the War on Drugs.

eji.org

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cnn.com

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"Was Nixon's War on Drugs a Racially Motivated Crusade?" – A Vox article examining the racial motivations behind Nixon's policies.

vox.com

Impact of the War on Drugs on Mass Incarceration:

"Race, Mass Incarceration, and the Disastrous War on Drugs" – An analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice on how drug policies have led to mass incarceration, particularly affecting Black communities.

brennancenter.org

CIA and Drug Trafficking Allegations:

"CIA Drug Trafficking Allegations" – A Wikipedia entry summarizing various accusations against the CIA regarding drug trafficking.

en.wikipedia.org

Evolution of Drug Policies and Their Societal Impact:

"The War on Drugs as Structural Racism" – A discussion by Penn LDI on how drug policies have perpetuated systemic racism.

ldi.upenn.edu

"Fifty Years Ago Today, President Nixon Declared the War on Drugs" – An article by the Vera Institute reflecting on the half-century mark of the War on Drugs and its consequences.

vera.org

The Opium Wars and Their Impact:

"The Opium Wars: The Politics and Economics of Addiction" by W. Travis Hanes III and Frank Sanello. This book offers a detailed account of the two Opium Wars between Britain and China, exploring the political and economic ramifications of opium addiction.

asiapacificcurriculum.ca

amazon.com

history.state.gov

"Opium Wars | Definition, Summary, Facts, & Causes" by Britannica. This article provides a concise overview of the Opium Wars, detailing the causes, key events, and outcomes of both conflicts.

britannica.com

"Reefer Madness" and Cannabis Hysteria:

"Reefer Madness" by the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum. This resource delves into the series of anti-marijuana propaganda films and books released in the 1930s that fueled hysteria about cannabis.

tobacco.stanford.edu

hashmuseum.com

grav.com

"Reefer Madness (1936) - Plot" by IMDb. This page provides a summary of the 1936 film "Reefer Madness," highlighting its portrayal of marijuana use leading to moral decay and criminal behavior.

linwoodhouse.co.uk

Prison Industrial Complex:

Wikipedia: Prison–industrial complex

This Wikipedia article offers a comprehensive overview of the Prison Industrial Complex, detailing its history, development, and the socio-economic factors contribu