Publication

This paper discusses the negative effect which so called "force multipliers" such as Private Security Companies (PSCs), the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF), militias, and auxiliary police forces, can have on the physical and economic security of the local population in Afghanistan. In particular, the authors highlight weaknesses in the areas of recruitment, vetting, command and control, and prosecution of these forces. They then recommend that rather than pursuing quick-fix strategies through a multiplicity of non-state armed groups, the US and its allies should instead focus their resources on helping to create effective and accountable national armed and police forces in the country.