ABSTRACT
This chapter explores that alcohol policy has become increasingly internationalized in recent times, with supranational organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraging the adoption of evidence-based policies. It shows that policymakers at least claim to be discerning about the quality of evidence that is presented to them. The chapter focuses on the general literature about policymaking, the use of evidence, and the diffusion of policies across borders. Finland demonstrated a particularly strong emphasis on using research evidence to shape alcohol policies much more so than the United States (US). Although some findings from sub-Saharan Africa and South America were briefly mentioned in this chapter, the majority of the research that has been conducted on alcohol policymaking and the role of evidence have focused on western, developed countries. From Lasswell's optimism for empirical research's potential for solving social problems, to Stevens' evolutionary theory of drug policymaking, a diverse range of theories and studies have been advanced.
