Udodov G.A. Evolution of the Legal Foundations of the BRICS Anti-Drug Policy in the Summit Declarations (2009–2024)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/lc.jvolsu.2026.1.21
Grigory A. Udodov, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theory and History of State and Law, Saint Petersburg University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Letchika Pilyutova St, 1, 198206 Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9233-490X
Introduction: combating drug trafficking, a complex transnational threat to public health, security, and sustainable development, has become one of the priority areas of cooperation within BRICS. However, a systematic analysis of the evolution of the legal and institutional foundations of this policy within such a heterogeneous association is required. This work examines the reflection of anti-drug issues in the final BRICS summit declarations. Purpose: based on a systematic analysis of the BRICS summit declarations from 2009 to 2024, identify and characterize the main stages and substantive directions in the formation of the group’s unified anti-drug policy. Methodology: the research methodology is based on the application of the principles of the comparative-historical method and content analysis of the declaration texts. Results: the conducted research has made it possible to identify key stages of evolution: from the absence of the issue in the early period (2009–2012), through its initial verbalization (2013) and institutional formalization (2014), to systemic integration into the overall security architecture (2018–2024). Conclusions: the BRICS anti-drug policy has undergone a full development cycle, forming a mature system based on an unshakable legal platform (UN conventions of 1961, 1971, 1988), an established institutional mechanism (the Anti-Drug Working Group), and a comprehensive understanding of the link between the drug threat and terrorism, organized crime, and corruption. Despite persistent challenges, the forecast for the development of cooperation is assessed as moderately optimistic.
Key words: BRICS, anti-drug policy, drug trafficking, summit declarations, evolution, international cooperation, transnational crime, BRICS Anti-Drug Working Group.
Citation. Udodov G.A. Evolution of the Legal Foundations of the BRICS Anti-Drug Policy in the Summit Declarations (2009–2024). Legal Concept = Pravovaya paradigma, 2026, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 158-168. (in Russian). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/lc.jvolsu.2026.1.21
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