The influence of global players on the drug control system: an analysis of the role of the Russian Federation

This article will focus on the Russian Federation ’s national policies and diplomatic activism to influence the outcome of the negotiations at the multilateral level. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the federal legislation on drug control and the legislation on HIV/AIDS has been undertaken in October 2016. Peer-reviewed, gre y literature, policy documents, UN reports and news reports were used to gather information on the country’s response to drugs internally and externally. Findings Despite its limited regional influence on harm reduction and declining financial power, the Russian Federation has been successful in preserving its international priorities by opposing harm reduction and maintaining the prohibition paradigm in the UNGASS outcome. Research limitations/implications Every effort was made to identify valid sources of information on the levers of influence of the Russian Federation. Little da ta was available on the real outcome of the efforts deployed in influencing the BRICS and other regional and international assemblies. Originality/value This article presents an overview of the national policies of the Russian Federation, a Global Player, and provides a better understanding of how the national approach to illicit drugs and their perception influences its international position. It analyzes the geographic, economic and diplomatic sphere of influence of the country in drug polices, and provides explanations on the successes and short...
Source: Drugs and Alcohol Today - Category: Addiction Source Type: research