Reports and articles

The Border Business: A Political Economy Analysis of Checkpoint Taxation in Afghanistan
Research Florian Weigand Research Florian Weigand

The Border Business: A Political Economy Analysis of Checkpoint Taxation in Afghanistan

Checkpoints and the transit taxes that can be levied at them have been central to the vagaries of Afghan state formation and conflict—and are crucial to understand the rise to power of the Taliban. In this new working paper Sarajuddin Isar posits that checkpoint taxation is a key means of creating and negotiating rents between state and non-state actors, driving political settlements and conflict.

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Taliban Arms Management Practices
Research Florian Weigand Research Florian Weigand

Taliban Arms Management Practices

This paper argues that we should not see ‘political’ and ‘criminal’ groups as separate categories. Instead, we should envision a spectrum of motives and practices across all armed groups, regardless of how they are labelled.

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Rethinking Armed Group Control
Research ashley jackson Research ashley jackson

Rethinking Armed Group Control

Prevailing understandings of control – which focus on territorial dividing lines and acts of violence – are incomplete. Our paper argues that armed group control should instead be broken down according to how armed groups seek to influence populations.

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Taliban Narratives on Al Qaeda
Research ashley jackson Research ashley jackson

Taliban Narratives on Al Qaeda

Much has been written about the Taliban and Al Qaeda since 2001, but there is little consensus. Based on over 100 interviews with insurgent commanders and others, this report examines the Taliban’s strategic calculus for maintaining ties to Al Qaeda.

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Taliban Attitudes and Policies towards Education
ashley jackson ashley jackson

Taliban Attitudes and Policies towards Education

There are significant debates and differences of opinion within the Taliban on education. Based on original documents and interviews, our paper explores written Taliban policy on education, and practice on the ground.

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