https://www.scmp.com/rss/503728/feed Peter Andreas is the John Hay Professor of International Studies. He is the author, co-author, or co-editor of eleven books, including his most recent, Killer High: A History of War in Six Drugs (Oxford University Press, 2020), which explores the relationship between warfare and mind altering substances, from ancient times to the present. Andreas has also written for a wide range of scholarly and policy publications. Other writings include congressional testimonies and op-eds in major... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com In The Art of War , Sun Tzu wrote that speed is “the essence of war”. While he, of course, did not have amphetamines in mind, he would no doubt have been impressed by their powerful war-facilitating psychoactive effects. Amphetamines – often called “pep pills”, “go pills”, “uppers” or “speed” – are a group of synthetic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, reducing fatigue and appetite and increasing wakefulness and a sense of well-being. Methamphetamine is a particularly potent and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3051418/how-world-war-ii-got-japan-and-us-got-hooked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3051418/how-world-war-ii-got-japan-and-us-got-hooked?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2020 21:00:15 +0000 By the early 1930s, China was estimated to be the source of seven eighths of the world’s narcotics supply, which reached international markets via Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai. British journalist H.G.W. Woodhead described the situation in a detailed investigation: “In general it may be stated that throughout China today with the exception of isolated instances, no effort is or can be made by the National Government to control the sale or smoking of opium. It can be purchased without difficulty,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3050431/centuries-war-and-opium-have-been-entwined-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3050431/centuries-war-and-opium-have-been-entwined-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:00:07 +0000