News
After coca, what? Colombia’s failing illicit crop substitution programme
Coca farmers are wanting to engage with the national illicit crop substitution programme. But patience is wearing thin. They need viable alternatives, now.
Addressing coronavirus in conflict zones: three factors policymakers should consider
Governments must move quickly to level with their citizens about the nature of the threat and get them involved in finding solutions. Given what is at stake, there is not a moment to lose.
Mastering the art of living with radical uncertainty in Afghanistan
While the West struggles with the uncertainty of coronavirus, for Afghanistan it's a way of life, and opium poppy cultivation is an important part.
The intimidation and assassination of social leaders: Colombia’s other pandemic
Social leader Marco Rivadeneira was murdered during the COVID-19 mayhem – intimidation has not ceased as has been reported.
Illicit drugs and tough trade-offs in war-to-peace transitions
A new policy paper makes the case for including illicit drugs in Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goal16.
Research Sites
The research programme will draw on empirical data from Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is estimated to produce 90% of heroin consumed in the UK. We're working in three borderland Afghanistan regions.
Colombia
Since Colombia's 2016 peace agreement, coca cultivation has expanded. We're working in four Colombian borderland sites.
Myanmar
Myanmar is the second largest producer of illicit opium in the world. We're working in two Myanmar borderland states.
Recent Tweets
‘#COVID-19 is not a great leveller – it singles out & exacerbates marginality & vulnerability. Borderlands are risky, volatile spaces where the pandemic, & the policy response, could have devastating effects.’ Jonathan Goodhand @SOASDevelopment. Watch the full event @RUSI_org:
Excellent discussion at yesterday's @rusi_org webinar on #covid-19 in #conflict zones with @kvonhippel, @bbclysedoucet, General (Ret'd) James Cowan @TheHALOTrust, and Professor Jonathan Goodhand @SOASDevelopment. Watch it here👇
