Analysing the Outputs of Reconstruction Efforts in Afghanistan

Abstract

This article examines the outputs of the Afghan reconstruction process in which the military of 42 countries and many international and local humanitarian organisations are engaged. It presents data containing detailed information on approximately 85,000 projects carried out between 2002 and 2007, which have been used primarily for coordination purposes. The article explores how the dataset might be used to measure the outputs of the reconstruction efforts, with a focus on the provincial reconstruction teams of Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom. The findings provide valuable information for policymakers and those who prepare, execute and monitor these operations. The analysis also demonstrates the limitations of such data.