What is a political economy and is constructing one the key to effective tobacco control?

The answers to this question are analyzed in the Bank's 2009 Health Nutrition and Population (HNP) Discussion Paper titled Towards a Political Economy of Tobacco Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.  The authors conducted an extensive literature review of tobacco control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in order to examine the opposing political forces toward tobacco control strategies.  Based on this information, a stakeholder analysis was conducted that focused primarily on the dominant role of transnational tobacco companies (TTCs).

The authors conclude that effectively communicating accurate information about the full costs of tobacco and the need for coalition building are crucial to overcoming the economic power of tobacco at all evels.  At the country level, the report recommends employing both supply-side and demand side interventions rather than trade barriers for tobacco control  At the global level, it is suggested that transnationa tobacco companies be held liable for the smuggling of cigarettes.  Moreover, colaition building is important at the global evel in the form of assistance with fundraising, research projects and facilitating meetings.

For further anlaysis and recommendation, please refer to the full report.