Abstract / Summary

This dissertation investigates the intersection of synthetic drug proliferation, fragile governance, and public health in post-war Liberia. It traces how weak institutional recovery, disrupted social structures, and regional trafficking routes transformed the country into a vulnerable hub for synthetic substances. Drawing on field reports, international datasets, and testimonies from affected communities, the research examines the multidimensional consequences, ranging from collapsing family economies to overburdened clinics and disrupted education systems. It argues that the crisis cannot be addressed solely through enforcement or health responses. It requires an integrated strategy combining prevention, treatment, targeted enforcement, and long-term economic opportunities for young people. By situating Liberia’s experience within the broader West African context, the dissertation contributes to scholarly understanding and practical policymaking, offering a framework to inform regional and global responses to synthetic drug markets.