Examining Drug Policy in Portugal and Greece

<p>This thesis examines the divergent drug policies implemented in Portugal and Greece, analyzing why Portugal's comprehensive decriminalization model has been more successful than Greece's partial approach. Since 2001, Portugal has pioneered a drug policy that decriminalizes all drugs for personal use while investing in harm reduction services, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. In contrast, Greece maintained criminalization while implementing more limited harm reduction measures, particularly through OKANA (the Organization Against Drugs). The research highlights how economic factors, particularly the 2008 financial crisis and austerity measures, negatively affected both countries' programs but hit Greece's initiatives with greater severity. Portugal's programs have remained resilient due to stronger institutional frameworks and public support, while Greece continues to struggle with funding issues and prison overcrowding. This comparative analysis demonstrates how historical context, political commitment, comprehensive service networks, and sustainable funding models are critical success factors in effective drug policy reform.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

International Relations

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Fernandes, Collin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nicholas Rush Smith
• Jean Krasno

• Comparative Politics
• Health Policy
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Social Justice
• Social Policy
• Social Welfare
• Social Work

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1200

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:cc_etds_theses-2312