The Economic Anatomy of a Drug War

This book explores the economics of illicit drug markets, the connection between these markets and other crime, and the adjustments these markets make when faced with changes in drug enforcement. Focusing specifically on the most recent escalation of drug enforcement during the period from 1984-1989, Rasmussen and Benson adopt an economic perspective to explore the origins and effects of American drug policy. Rasmussen and Benson argue that effective drug policy is only possible if we realize that increasing drug enforcement can be a 'tragedy of the commons' because criminal justice resources are diverted from other uses and many unintended consequences are generated by politically popular drug enforcement initiatives.