Beyond the Limits of the State. The Role of Catholic and Evangelical Institutions of Gran Buenos Aires (Argentina) in the Implementation of Public Policy on Drugs

Abstract

The article explores the relations of civil society organizations (CSOs), identifiedwith a religious creed, in terms of their treatment of drug use vis-à-vis the state, other CSOs and other non-state actors. The main objective of the article is to describe and to analyze the links between these organizations, the state (at different levels, agencies and authorities) and other non-governmental organizations (churches, federations of NGOs, transnational networks, political parties) in the process of implementation of drug policies in Gran Buenos Aires - a territory which is popularly known as the “Metropolitan Area” in Argentina. We analyze three dimensions of the links between religious CSOs and the state in Argentina: (i) economic relations; (ii) the joint delivery of treatments; and (iii) the arguments of CSOs to explain the lack of support from the state. In addition, we describe the type of relationships of these institutions with other CSOs and other non-state actors. The article is based on observations and interviews with leaders of Evangelical and Catholic institutions dedicated to drug users in the city of Buenos Aires.