Publication

This paper aims to understand the challenges of civil-military dialogue in the context of stabilization. In particular, it looks at the challenges posed by military forces that pursue development and reconstruction as a central strategy in Afghanistan. The authors argue that the military forces involved created a conflict of interest as they also conducted counterinsurgency operations. This eroded the distinction between combatants and civilian aid actors, making the situation more difficult for aid workers. They also suggest that aid agencies now need to reengage with the Afghan government and security forces.