Center for Security Studies

cordially invites you to attend the conference

NATO’s Provincial Reconstruction of Afghanistan in a Comparative Perspective

November 5, 2010

The issue of post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan, including its current form and future prospects, has represented one of the most important security issues in contemporary international politics. Especially for the Western states which have participated in this reconstruction, one of the crucial aspects has been the politics of the alliance itself and the motives of member states for taking part in the post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan. Originally trying to free its hands for an invasion to Iraq, the United States under George Bush transferred significant part of the burden and responsibility for Afghanistan’s reconstruction to NATO and other allied countries. Later, under the Obama administration, it became a part of the U.S. strategy to increase the amount of soldiers and civilians in Afghanistan, with the U.S. as a ‘role model’ in this effort.

Since U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech towards the end of last year, 2010 represents a crucial year in Afghanistan, by which time either significant progress must be achieved, or the goals of the original ISAF mission will be put in doubts. Indeed, seriousness of the countries participating in the coalition seems vital and it is through their commitments that the bigger picture can be altered, or at least the perception of this bigger picture can be changed at upcoming critical moments for strategic decision-making. This need has so far not corresponded to the reality on ground.

Up to this stage, the way the coalition has operated in Afghanistan seemed to produce many coalition quarrels, at least in policy-making circles and the media and public discourse. Moreover, the visibility of a moment of exit approaching, further coupled with the issue having a destabilising effect on domestic politics in a number of countries participating in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, may work as a perverse incentive as well, discouraging countries from further deepening their involvement in Afghanistan.

This conference will try to answer a number of questions related to the allied commitment to the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan through a series of case studies which will together provide a multiple perspective to national contributions to the multilateral mission in Afghanistan. The intention is to provide a sensitive analysis that would explain coalition contributions from various countries, and the opportunity for generalisation will also be sought. For example, answers to questions such as whether it is alliance dependence or threat-balancing, or other factors, that affects one’s Afghanistan policy more could be found in the conference presentations.

Draft conference program in .pdf
Conference registration for the public (will be open in October 2010)

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