Drug Policy Reform Advocate & Scholar; Founder of Drug Policy Alliance; Author of "Cops Across Borders"

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Ethan Nadelmann Biography

Ethan Nadelmann is recognized as a leading figure in drug policy reform in the United States and internationally. Rolling Stone described Nadelmann as "the point man" for drug policy reform efforts and "the real drug czar." He has played a central role in bringing the issue of drug legalization into mainstream political debate, influencing how policymakers and the public approach topics such as drugs, addiction, and criminal justice reform.

Nadelmann holds a BA, JD, and PhD from Harvard, as well as a master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics. He taught politics and public affairs at Princeton University, where his research and commentary on drug policy appeared in publications including Science, Foreign Affairs, American Heritage, and National Review. Nadelmann authored "Cops Across Borders," a scholarly study of the internationalization of U.S. criminal law enforcement, and co-authored "Policing the Globe: Criminalization and Crime Control in International Relations," published by Oxford University Press. His academic background provided a foundation for his subsequent advocacy work.

Nadelmann founded the Lindesmith Center, a drug policy institute supported by philanthropic funding. He later co-founded the Open Society Institute's International Harm Reduction Development program. The Lindesmith Center merged with the Drug Policy Foundation to form the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for drug policies based on science, public health, compassion, and human rights. Nadelmann and his colleagues have contributed to major drug policy reform ballot initiatives in the United States, addressing issues such as medical marijuana, marijuana legalization, prison reform, drug treatment, and civil asset forfeiture reform. He has also served as a drug policy advisor to philanthropists and elected officials, including mayors, governors, presidents, and cabinet ministers outside the United States.

Nadelmann has published extensively and delivered presentations in approximately 40 states and 40 countries. His TED Talk, "Why We Need to End the War on Drugs," has been viewed by a global audience and translated into multiple languages. He serves on the advisory board of the Open Society Foundation's Global Drug Policy Project and as an advisor to the Global Commission on Drug Policy. Nadelmann launched "PSYCHOACTIVE," a podcast produced by iHeartMedia and Protozoa Pictures, which explores the intersection of drugs, health, and society, and encourages public discourse on drug use and policy reform.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/17/2026.

Ethan Nadelmann Videos

An Interview with Ethan Nadelmann

An Interview with Ethan Nadelmann

At the 28th Harm Reduction International Conference we had the chance to speak with Ethan Nadelmann founder of the Drug Policy Alliance.

ETHAN NADELMANN | Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction

ETHAN NADELMANN | Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction

Monumental madness behind the war on nicotine | RegWatch at GSTHR in London, 2021. Interview with Ethan Nadelmann, Founder & Fmr. Exec. Director,...

Ethan Nadelmann: Why we need to end the War on Drugs

Ethan Nadelmann: Why we need to end the War on Drugs

Is the War on Drugs doing more harm than good? In a bold talk, drug policy reformist Ethan Nadelmann makes an impassioned plea to end the "backward,...

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  • What topics does Ethan Nadelmann speak about?

    Ethan Nadelmann is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Addiction & Recovery, Government, Law, Mental Health, Non-Profit, World Affairs
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Ethan Nadelmann is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ethan Nadelmann for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Ethan Nadelmann generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Samantha Vinograd, Donald H. Whitehead Jr., Ben Cort, Ann Veneman and Mary Bailey. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ethan Nadelmann for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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