This book is the result of several years of research including my dissertation for the Universidad Complutense doctoral program (entitled Las relaciones interamericanas ante la lucha contra la droga, or ?Inter-American Relations in the War Against Drugs,? 1994), and the doctorate degree conferred on me by the Agencia Española de Cooperación?s program Problemas y perspectives en la integración de América Latina (Problems and Perspectives in Latin American Integration). My 1996 master's degree in environmental education and my experiences as an environmental journalist and member of a movement of NGOs seeking a more respectful world have further exposed me to the depth of today's environmental problems.