Book excerpt: Drug Diplomacy is the first comprehensive historical account of the evolution of the global drugs control regime. The book analyzes how the rules and regulations that encompass the drug question came to be framed. By examining the international historical aspects of the issue, the author addresses the many questions surrounding this global problem. Including coverage of substances from heroin and cocaine to morphine, stimulants, hallucinogens and alcohol, Drug Diplomacy addresses: * the historical development of drug laws, drug-control institutions, and attitudes about drugs * international control negotiations and the relationship between the drug question and issues such as trade policy, national security concerns, the Cold War and medical considerations * the reasons why the goal to eliminate drug abuse has been so hard to accomplish.