Global Politics of Pesticides

Peter Hough is Lecturer in Politics and International Studies in the School of History and Politics, Middlesex University. Originally published in 1998

'Pesticides pose one of the greatest dilemmas of our time. The science of pesticide use has become an accepted part of industrial food production systems, relied on to provide the levels of food production required to provide the levels of food production required y a burgeoning world population. But there is widespread unease not only among the general public, but also among farmers and scientists about agricultural and public health systems which are based on the deliberate introduction of toxic products into the food chain and the environment. Many question whether the regulations which govern pesticide use are an adequate safeguard against the known or potential health and environmental problems. Peter Hough's book is a timely and thorough survey of these predicaments. It provides an excellent insight into the national and international bodies of responsible for safeguarding public health and the environment, and an important overview of existing regulations and current debates. This book is required reading for those concerned about food, agriculture or the environment.' Barbara Dinham, The Pesticides Trust. 'This stimulating analysis demonstrates how some of the problems associated with the use of pesticides, notably contamination of food, have been successfully regulated at the global level, while campaigns by non-governmental organizations on other problems have yet to make an impact. Both environmental activists and students of international relations will be fascinated by the conclusions that discuss under what conditions international regimes can be established' Peter Willetts, Professor of Global Politics, City University, London.

• 1. Introduction A Brief History of Pest Control What's Your Poison?  2. Reaping the Rewards: The Use of Pesticides for Increasing Crop Yields  3. Fighting Plague and Pestilence: The Role of Pesticides in Controlling Pest Transmitted Diseases  4. The Killing Fields: The Issue of Human Poisoning by Pesticides  5. When a Weapon Misses the Target: The Issue of Environmental Pollution by Pesticides  6. The Secret Ingredient: The Issue of Food Contamination by Pesticides  7. Peddling Poisons: The International Trade in Pesticides  8. Steering a Middle Course: Avoiding the Overuse of Pesticides  9. From Value Systems to Regulatory Systems: Reflections on the Seven Issues of Pesticide Politics