War on Drugs and Anglo-American Relations: Lessons from Afghanistan, 2001-2011

This book explores the failure of Western counter narcotics policies in Afghanistan, highlighting the divided Anglo-American partnership and the competing and opposing views on addressing the opium problem. It provides insights into the complex picture of counter narcotics strategy through interviews with key policy practitioners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book delves into the intricate details of the formulation and execution of the United States and United Kingdom's counter-narcotics policies in Afghanistan. The Western counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan faced a catastrophic collapse, largely due to the unprecedented surge in opium poppy cultivation. The Anglo-American partnership at the core of this conflict found itself torn apart by divergent viewpoints on addressing the opium problem, which strained the long-standing alliance between the two nations. Through in-depth interviews with key policy practitioners on both sides of the Atlantic, this study unveils a comprehensive portrayal of counter-narcotics strategy, highlighting areas of cooperation and contention while shedding light on the often contradictory and competitive objectives of the overall war effort in Afghanistan.

The opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached unprecedented levels, causing a significant decline in the country's economy and exacerbating the already fragile security situation. The United States and the United Kingdom, as major stakeholders in the region, were compelled to take action to address the growing drug problem. However, their approaches to counter-narcotics were markedly different. The United States, driven by its national security interests, adopted a more aggressive strategy, including military force and aerial spraying of opium fields. On the other hand, the United Kingdom favored a more diplomatic and economic approach, focusing on development projects and alternative livelihoods for farmers.

Despite these differences, there were also areas of cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom. Both nations recognized the importance of a comprehensive and sustainable approach to counter-narcotics, which required addressing the root causes of drug production and trafficking. They also agreed on the need for international cooperation and coordination in combating the drug menace. However, their strategies and approaches often clashed, leading to tensions and misunderstandings.

One of the key points of contention was the use of military force. The United States argued that it was necessary to use force to disrupt drug production and trafficking networks, while the United Kingdom preferred a more cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation. Another issue was the role of the Afghan government in counter-narcotics efforts. While the United States supported the Afghan government's efforts to combat drug production and trafficking, the United Kingdom was skeptical of the government's ability to implement effective policies and maintain stability in the country.

Despite these challenges, the United States and the United Kingdom continued to work together to address the opium problem in Afghanistan. They established various bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC). These organizations provided technical assistance, training, and funding to support the Afghan government's counter-narcotics efforts.

However, the success of these initiatives was limited. The opium poppy cultivation continued to thrive, and drug trafficking networks remained resilient. The conflict in Afghanistan also had broader geopolitical implications, with the United States and the United Kingdom competing for influence and resources in the region.

In conclusion, the Western counter-narcotics policies in Afghanistan failed dismally due to the surge in opium poppy cultivation and the competing and opposing views of the Anglo-American partnership. The partnership was divided by divergent viewpoints on addressing the opium problem, which strained the long-standing alliance between the two nations. Through in-depth interviews with key policy practitioners, this study reveals the complex picture of counter-narcotics strategy, highlighting areas of cooperation and contention and detailing the often contradictory and competitive objectives of the overall war effort in Afghanistan. The book underscores the importance of a comprehensive and sustainable approach to counter-narcotics, which requires addressing the root causes of drug production and trafficking, promoting alternative livelihoods for farmers, and fostering international cooperation and coordination.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474458474