Version 1
: Received: 26 September 2024 / Approved: 27 September 2024 / Online: 27 September 2024 (07:48:44 CEST)
How to cite:
Kang, D.; Kim, M. J. From Opium to Opioids: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Drug Crises in Qing Dynasty China and Contemporary United States. Preprints2024, 2024092168. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2168.v1
Kang, D.; Kim, M. J. From Opium to Opioids: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Drug Crises in Qing Dynasty China and Contemporary United States. Preprints 2024, 2024092168. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2168.v1
Kang, D.; Kim, M. J. From Opium to Opioids: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Drug Crises in Qing Dynasty China and Contemporary United States. Preprints2024, 2024092168. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2168.v1
APA Style
Kang, D., & Kim, M. J. (2024). From Opium to Opioids: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Drug Crises in Qing Dynasty China and Contemporary United States. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2168.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Kang, D. and Myung Jo Kim. 2024 "From Opium to Opioids: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Drug Crises in Qing Dynasty China and Contemporary United States" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2168.v1
Abstract
Background: This study conducts a comparative historical analysis of two significant drug crises: the opium epidemic in 19th-century Qing Dynasty China and the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States, aiming to extract applicable lessons for current global drug policies. Methodology: A historical case study approach was employed, integrating examinations of historical records, policy documents, and contemporary data to compare the development, impact, and responses to these crises within their respective contexts. Results: The analysis reveals significant parallels in socioeconomic impacts and governmental challenges. Key differences include the evolution from predominantly prohibitionist approaches in Qing China to more comprehensive public health-oriented strategies in the U.S. The study highlights the critical role of national power, particularly military capability, in effectively addressing drug crises. Conclusions: The findings underscore four key lessons: (1) Purely prohibitionist approaches often lead to unintended consequences such as black markets and increased criminal activity; (2) Addressing underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to drug abuse is crucial; (3) Aggressive anti-drug policies can escalate into severe diplomatic tensions, necessitating careful consideration of international relations in policy formulation; (4) A nation's military and economic strength significantly influences its ability to implement effective drug policies and resist external pressures that may exacerbate the crisis. These insights suggest that effective management of drug crises requires a balance of strong domestic policies, international cooperation, and maintenance of national power to ensure policy autonomy.
Keywords
opium crisis; opioid epidemic; Qing Dynasty; United States; drug policy; historical comparison; national power; military influence; public health; international relations
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Health Policy and Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
