HomeEvidence, Evaluation, and Learning...How Does U.S. Multilateral Diplomacy Advance Fentanyl-related U.S. Priorities to Benefit the American People?

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# How Does U.S. Multilateral Diplomacy Advance Fentanyl-related U.S. Priorities to Benefit the American People?

August 2023This study of U.S. multilateral diplomacy includes a brief overview of the fentanyl threat, background on multilateral engagement on this issue, and findings and conclusions identified through interviews with representatives from the USG and international organizations.

## Background

The U.S. Government (USG} is a leader in shaping global counternarcotics policy in multilateral fora, particularly regarding disrupting illicit synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking, including of fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, and associated precursor chemicals. Addressing the U.S. overdose crisis, which is primarily driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, is a critical issue in U.S. foreign and domestic policy. The Bureau of International Organization Affairs (10), in consultation with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), addressed the question, “How does multilateral diplomacy advance U.S. fentanyl-related priorities to benefit the American people?”

## Findings

The U.S. has built global awareness for dangers posed by synthetic drugs and has garnered international support to address these challenges.

                  - Sustained multilateral diplomacy to internationally control fentanyl analogues and fentanyl precursor chemicals has overcome bilateral reluctance and generated increasing voluntary cooperation.
                  - The United States has championed a multi-faceted programmatic approach to counter the illicit drugs focusing on building global capacity, networks, and early warning systems.

## Recommendations

Continue leading global action to address synthetic drug challenges and prioritize work with international partners to address existing gaps and advance innovative responses.

Continue engaging in multilateral counternarcotics and support international organizations implementing counternarcotics programming.

Continue high-level messaging with foreign governments, stressing the importance of coordinated and strategic global action to curb these threats.

Continue dedicating resources to capacity-building to address challenges across sectors, including the private, public health, scientific, and law enforcement sectors.

## Research Questions

                      - What did the United States intend to achieve on fentanyl-related issues by working with international organizations?
                      - To what degree has the United States achieved its fentanyl-related goals by working in multilateral fora?
                      - Were the outcomes sustained or are outcomes likely to be sustained?
                      - What lessons can we learn from working with international organizations on fentanyl-related issues?

## Approach, Methods, & Data

IO utilized qualitative methodology, leveraging data collected from USG and international organization stakeholders who work on this issue.

IO determined the study sample using a snowball sampling method after initial identification of and outreach to relevant parties.

Key informant interviews (Klls) and/or focus group discussions (FGDs) and a thorough review of secondary data allowed for the triangulation of findings where possible.

22 stakeholders representing 11 organizations participated in Klls and FGDs.

This case study’s scope, due to the sampling methodology, focused primarily on counternarcotics efforts and did not address the work done via public health and demand reduction.

## Detailed Findings

IO found that U.S. engagement has been cross-sectoral, including through: 

              - Provision of direct funding to international organization and government partners for supply reduction and demand reduction programs
              - Ongoing information and expertise sharing with international organizations, government, and private sector actors
              - High-level messaging with foreign governments stressing the importance of coordinated and strategic global action to curb these threats
              - Leading action in multilateral fora to internationally control precursor chemicals and their analogues

U.S. efforts to address the health and security threats of synthetic drugs included building awareness of these drugs as a global problem and not just a North American problem through efforts such as rebranding the Global Opioids Strategy to a Synthetic Drugs Strategy. The study also documented successful collaboration with the international community through regulation, multisectoral international cooperation, and proactive  responses. U.S. engagement in multilateral spaces has successfully advanced progress on issues stymied by bilateral obstacles, such as precursor  control. The U.S. government has also supported developing and using global tools and systems that facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and protection. Overall, this study concluded that though more work needs to be done to address synthetic drug threats, multilateral engagement on this issue has been effective, and similar efforts would be valuable going forward.

## Impact by the Numbers

              - From FY 2017 – 2021, nine agencies in the USG provided $3.67 billion in funding to 10 primary international organizations (IOs) to support the fight against fentanyl, among other programming.
              - Recipient IOs included: World Health Organizations, Pan-American Health Organization, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Organization of American States, International Police, International Civil Aviation Organization, World Customs Organization, and Universal Postal Union.
              - The Department of State provided approximately $320 million in FY 2021 to these 10 key organizations.
              - 30 fentanyl-related substances, including five fentanyl-specific chemicals, have been scheduled internationally under the UN Drug Conventions.

## Learning Summary

As a result of this study, key stakeholders in the Department are better equipped to describe the ways multilateral engagement has proven crucial to international counternarcotics efforts. Based on this information, INL, 10, and the UN Mission to International Organizations in Vienna will continue to prioritize engagement with international organizations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Narcotics Control Board, and in multilateral fora such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), to advocate for international drug policy that aligns with U.S. foreign policy priorities related to fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and their precursors. As this study did not explore the work on the public health or demand side, further research on these efforts would enhance understanding of multilateral engagement on synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl.

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