Power Corrupts Narcopolitics
May 1, 2019
Łukasz Kamiencki, an associate professor and historian specializing in the intersection of narcotics and warfare, dives into the dark history of drug use in military contexts. He explores how hallucinogens fueled Viking Berserkers and discusses the bizarre use of drugs by British soldiers in WWII. The podcast also highlights the tragic connection between opium and the exploitation of child brides in Afghanistan. Additionally, Kamiencki unravels the complexities of the cocaine trade in West Africa and critiques drug policy lessons from the U.S. and Jamaica.
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Ancient War Use of Drugs
- Drugs have been intertwined with warfare for millennia, used to enhance soldier courage or incapacitate enemies.
- Ancient armies like Hannibal's Carthaginians used drug-laced wine to cause hallucinations in enemy tribes.
Viking Berserkers and Mushrooms
- Viking berserkers may have used hallucinogenic mushrooms for their ferocious battle frenzy.
- This theory suggests drugs created their legendary superhuman strength and animalistic behavior.
WWII Stimulant Use in Armies
- All major WWII armies widely used stimulants like amphetamines to boost soldier alertness and morale.
- British General Montgomery issued 100,000 amphetamine pills at El Alamein, possibly aiding the decisive battle.
