Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, 7 November 2023
This research report – one of the few independent studies of a major donor country’s development funding for Afghanistan during the entire foreign intervention from 2001 to 2021 – examines the scope and impact of German Official Development Assistance (ODA), focusing on the “networked approach” during NATO operations. It analyzes the interplay between development, foreign and defense policies, addressing the political underpinnings of investigating Germany’s future involvement in such interventions.
The report also delves into the genealogy of ODA in neoliberal development policy, highlighting its role in uneven development and dependency. It discusses Germany’s institution-building and funding priorities in Afghanistan, notably how they related to domestic issues such as refugee inflows and labor migration. The militarization of Afghan life due to NATO operations and the blurred lines between civil and military work are also explored.
Furthermore, the report critiques the data collection and assessment systems for ODA projects and examines Germany’s financial involvement in the peace process, from the Bonn Agreement in 2001 to negotiations with the Taliban (and Hezb-e Islami). It concludes by assessing Germany’s continued involvement in post-2021 Afghanistan in the form of humanitarian assistance.
Written by Dr Paniz Musawi Natanzi and Dr Annika Schmeding
Revisions:
This article was last updated on 13 Nov 2023
