As the U.S. and other western countries took action against tobacco, the industry went global to continue making money off of the misery of its consumers. In order to counter this disease’s vector – the tobacco industry – ASH decided to take the fight global as well. There is much left to do both at home and abroad. By allying with friends around the world, we give the industry nowhere to hide.
Events overseas profoundly impact our efforts here at home. Billions of dollars earned overseas are brought back to the U.S. and used to finance friendly political races, run massive media campaigns to block progress and hire armies of lobbyists. The increasing rights given to corporations in international trade agreements threaten to undo regulations at the local, state and national level.