Navigating Uncertainty - S2E02 - Fighting Afghanistan's Drug War

UNSW Canberra Podcasts

President Biden's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in September marks the end of a 20-year conflict for the US and many of its NATO allies. Reflecting on the challenges faced during this conflict, Gareth Rice explains his research on the lesser-known drug war that intersected with the counterinsurgency campaign. With Afghanistan providing the source of 90% of the world's supply of illicit-opium, the war on drugs has become interviewed with Afghan society and the insurgency that depends on it for its survival. Gareth's research goes to the heart of understanding modern insurgency and the role of the militaries in countering threats that are a nexus of criminal and politically-motivated groups.