This event will look at how illicit drug economies function in borderlands regions, and at the ways in which they connect with violence, conflict and peace. The speakers will present a report with findings from research carried out to understand transitions from war to peace economies in drugs-affected borderlands in Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar.

The event will draw directly on the stories, perspectives and experiences of people living in borderland communities, and will explore the tensions and trade-offs between the policy fields of drugs, development and peacebuilding. The findings challenge the assumption that ‘all good things come together’ – that the policy goals of a drug-free world, sustainable development and lasting peace are mutually reinforcing and can be pursued simultaneously. The speakers will open dialogue, consider the policy implications and explore specific recommendations for the European Union.

Dr Paul Quinn is Head of ‘From Violence to Peace’, leading the peacebuilding and conflict prevention work of Christian Aid internationally. Throughout his career he has led work tackling conflict and fragility in contexts across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Prof Jonathan Goodhand is Professor in Conflict and Development Studies at SOAS, University of London. His research interests include the political economy of armed conflict, war economies, war-to-peace transitions and the role of international aid in relation to these processes.

Please note that registration is mandatory. If you would like to participate, please register on this page.