Analysis of the Impact of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs on the Restructuring Projects of Peru’s National Coca Company (ENACO)

Abstract

International treaties are pivotal in molding and directing national policies. By creating a binding normative framework, they influence government decisions and, consequently, the structure of institutions, affecting various national actors. This study aims to elucidate the impact of the international narcotics regime, with a specific focus on the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (hereafter referred to as the Single Convention) promoted by the United Nations (UN), on the restructuring efforts of the National Coca Company (ENACO) from 2001 to 2023. To achieve this, a qualitative methodology was employed, leveraging the usefulness and relevance of document analysis and interviews, the latter validated by experts specializing in research methodology, ENACO restructuring, and the international narcotics regime. The study ultimately finds that, despite the Single Convention's binding nature for the Peruvian State, its provisions did not significantly impact ENACO's restructuring efforts during the specified period. This is attributed to the stronger influence of domestic factors such as political, administrative, and financial considerations on the restructuring demands and outcomes.