From “Defence, Diplomacy, and Development” to “Danger, Distrust and Disaffection”

Paper Presented at the University of Toronto Political Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium 2015 organized by the Association of Political Science Students on January 14, 2015 at the Hart House Debates Room Submitted to T-Space on March 5, 2015Shortly following the withdrawal of Canadian troops in Afghanistan in March 2014, the Taliban issued a statement to followers in Kandahar congratulating its fighters in rural districts on the defeat of the Canadians, declaring that Canada had been overcome and has now fled the country. The statement appeared ridiculous to the public and Canadian policy-makers, but its underlying message was felt by locals: the Taliban still maintained strongholds across the country and were not going away any time soon. After 158 Canadian soldiers had been killed, 2000 wounded, and billions of dollars in international aid sent to Afghanistan, it begs the question: i. why did our mission fail and ii. what are the implications for Canada? The overthrow of the Taliban as a result of the US-led invasion in 2001 sparked hopes among Afghans and the international community that stability would finally be achieved in a country plagued by war for decades; a sense of optimism was profuse throughout the country and Canada played a significant role throughout international operations in Afghanistan. However, poor decisions and an insufficient understanding of the social, political, and economic structure of Afghan society have greatly impeded progress in the development and security spheres. Weak or non-existent government institutions, an ineffective central government with questionable legitimacy, widespread corruption, deteriorating security, increasing poverty, deep ethnic and ideological cleavages and increasing frustration among the Afghan population have all presented a growing threat to stabilization and security in Afghanistan. The essay will analyze the Canadian counter-insurgency and nation-building efforts in Afghanistan, with the goal of highlighting lessons that can be drawn from its Afghan operation.Professor Rodney Haddow, Undergraduate Chair of the Department of Political Science, University of Toront