A decade of clarity or confusion? : an empirical study of the causal relationships between the US counter-insurgency and counter-narcotics policies in Afghanistan

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Authors
Burhanzoi, Ajmal S.
Advisor
Hall, Steven R.
Issue Date
2012-05-05
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Political Science
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study embarked on a statistical analysis of the US counter-insurgency and counternarcotics efforts in relation to the overall process of state-building in Afghanistan. Compiling data from year 2006 to 2011, this study employed panel data analysis at the province level. While testing some of the widely held theories, this study found that insecurity—insurgent activity—is the main driving force behind poppy cultivation. This relationship is not dependent on whether insurgents get involved in the opium economy for financial gains. Furthermore, this study found that outside support for insurgents, in the sense of providing a safe haven, is the main exogenous causal factor that drives insurgency. In light of these findings, this study proposed a long-term regional policy that would be mindful of the complexities existing between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

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