The level of military conflict and terrorist activity in the world today will be sustained unless drugs are legalised, an academic will tell a conference at QUT today (Friday, November 21).
QUT justice studies lecturer Mark Craig will discuss the illegal drug trade and its role in advancing political purposes, funding terrorist activities, and subverting the economic and political system via organised crime.
Dr Craig is one of three presenters discussing imperialism, drugs and terrorism at the "Social Change in the 21st Century" conference.
Fellow QUT justice studies lecturer Dr Melissa Bull will argue that international drug control treaties create the very conditions for a lucrative market in illicit drugs.
Historian Professor Carl Trocki will look at the issue from a historial perspective in his paper, "Drugs and the Rise of Rogue States", arguing that the potential rise to statehood of current drug regimes is of concern.
Other themes of the conference: youth and change, political economy and change, anti-Americanism, political good, human services issues, postmodernism, community, historical biography and global issues (see web for program).
Keynote speakers:
* leading contemporary thinker and sociologist Eva Cox from the University of Technology, Sydney will discuss the role of ethical practices in creating a more civil society.
* geologist Dr Anna Littleboy from CSIRO leads sustainability research for the mining sector and is developing a stakeholder engagement strategy for CSIRO's flagship research program in meeting Australia's future energy needs. She will challenge scientists and social scientists to work together to produce relevant research aimed at social issues and policy.
Event: Social Change in the 21st Century Conference
Date: Friday, November 21 2003, 8.30am-5pm
Hosts: QUT Centre for Social Change Research
Venue: C Block, QUT Carseldine
Web: www.socialchange.qut.edu.au/confindex.html
Media contact:
Carmen Myler, QUT Marketing & Communication, 0400 791 148
