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STABILITY POLICING
THE GREAT ABSENCE IN THE AFGHAN CONUNDRUM
Being the first to interact with the population, ensuring their security and
basic needs, the Police are the most visible expression of a government; howe-
ver, if perceived as inefficient and predatory, they undermine the legitimacy of
the central authorities. In the Afghan volatile and asymmetric scenario Stability
Policing could have indeed played a crucial role in preventing chaos and focu-
sing on the protection of civilians, thus contributing to legitimising the institu-
tions and paving the way for a progressive transition, rather than a hurried
retreat. Unfortunately, the International Community did not seize this oppor-
tunity in Afghanistan, seeking the military defeat of the insurgents rather than
promoting the Rule of Law. The latter, instead, mitigated their extremism, “get-
ting closer” to the citizens, brutally turning their strategy against ASF.
Maybe, the rule of law should have overridden the rule of guns.
Shouldn’t it?
Disclaimer: this paper is a product of the Nato Stability Policing Centre of Excellence and its content does not
reflect Nato policies or positions, nor represent Nato in any way, but only the Nato SP COE or author(s) depending
on the circumstances.
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