The Role of Conservative States in Shaping International Drug Policy:A Study of Malaysia and Singapore at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Malaysia and Singapore are two countries in the Southeast Asian region that adhere to the international drug control Conventions and subscribe to the drug prohibition regime. At the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) which is the principal policy-making body of drug related-matters in the United Nations, Malaysia and Singapore are among two of the declining number of traditionalist/conservative states that seek to preserve the current international drug control system while other progressive/liberal states pursue changes to the current system. This PhD research aims to gain insights from the roles played by Malaysia and Singapore in working within the CND platforms to defend the current international drug control system and how their interests are manifested. It employs a case study approach through in-depth examination via interviews with government and non-government actors; observation at the 68th Session of the CND; and documentary analysis. Findings will be discussed from the lens of existing concepts of international drug policy-making and international relations. This research hopes to contribute to current understanding of how traditionalist/conservative states influence international drug policy through international institutions specifically, the CND.