The present study is developed with the objective of analyzing the strategic role of the drug
device in neoliberal governmentality evidenced in Brazil and its strategic function for the
exercise of power over bodies, over the population and the exercise of the power of death. In
order to do so, itstarts from the theoretical-methodological tools developed by Michel Foucault,
especially his analysis of power, including his studies on discourses, and his research on
neoliberal governmentality. Thus, the work starts from the idea that it is possible to make use
of Michel Foucault's research on power and knowledge, as well as his studies on neoliberal
governmentality to understand the dynamics of the fight against drugs in the neoliberal context
and its role in the exercise of referred to dynamics of exercising power. Based on the
Foucauldian approach, the research problem corresponds to asking to what extent the drug
device is managed in the neoliberal context from its usefulness to satisfy certain needs of groups
that hold capital, enabling the control of bodies, the population and the exercise of the power
of death. To answer the question, the work begins with a critical description of the
methodological instruments developed by Michel Foucault, especially in his studies on
knowledge and his analysis of power, which are fundamental for thinking about policies to
combat drugs from the relations of power and forms of resistance in the neoliberal context.
Then, it analyzes neoliberalism and its relations with biopower, emphasizing that Foucault does
not reduce his analysis of neoliberalism to an exclusively economic issue and that is what is
specific and singular in his position. It also deals with the anti-drug policy, starting with an
analysis of drugs as a device in the Foucauldian sense. Then, a genealogical analysis of drug
prohibitionism is carried out, without the intention of carrying out an approach that
universalizes the issue. The analysis takes place through a cut aimed at understanding the
current policy of drug repression in Brazil - without ignoring the strong international influences
- from the ruptures that have occurred over the years and the conjunctural changes in the
relations of power and resistance, especially since the rise and consolidation of neoliberalism.
Finally, the strategic role of the war on drugs policy in neoliberal governmentality is
demonstrated, especially in Brazil, concluding that the drug device is able to enable and justify
the exercise of disciplinary power, biopolitics and sovereign power, especially over certain
vulnerable groups because of its economic condition constantly worsened and precarious by
neoliberal policies, as well as it is demonstrated that the changes, triggered in the neoliberal
context, regarding the exercise of State racism and its intimate relationship with drug policy,
which makes it possible to exercise the power of death on those groups.
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