The paper analyses the complex counteraction between the modern state and the illicit drug market. Applying the conflict studies approach to the analysis of the current situation in the state war on drugs, the author points out that the interpretation of the state and the illicit drug market as parties in a conflict of interests makes it possible to identify the most significant characteristics of their relations as interdependent, to examine the medical and law enforcement activities against the drug market and to forecast the result of the anti-drug policy.

The article summarizes well-known approaches, it notes that the state, due to its inherent specific responsibility, has a set of interests related to the preservation and enhancement of the common good, and also acts as the main investor in human capital. Conflict of interest arises when the activities of drug dealers, whose private interest consists in extracting profits from the sale of a dangerous product, start to influence human capital so negatively that the state is forced to manifest the incompatibility of its interests with the drug market and initiate a war on drugs.

The article analyzes the tendency of the gradual prevalence of the conflict of values over the conflict of interests in the interaction between the state and the illicit drug market. It opines that the irrationalization of the conflict between the state and the illicit drug market is one of the reasons for the observed equalization of the capabilities and power of the parties. The author concludes that only the return of the conflict to the basic state of the conflict of interests is able to connect the anti-drug activity of the state with the real interests of civil society again. Refs 16.