When policies fail : Forced Eradication programs’ unintended consequences and their effect on rebel strength

Abstract: Research on supply reducing drug policy shows so called ‘unintended consequences’,following their implementation. This thesis focuses on such consequences, specifically oferadication programs, which show an increase in application in the period of 2005 and 2011.To link drug policy and conflict studies the aim of this thesis is the policies effects on therebels who control territory, related to the cultivation of drugs. The thesis studies the rebel’sstrength before, during and after the increased efforts in eradication in two cases, Colombiaand Afghanistan. A connection between the effects of eradication programs and the strengthof rebels can be established, although different outcomes in the cases are shown. Additionally,some insight into the underlying mechanism, connecting the means of income for farmers inrebel territory and unintended consequences of eradication programs, is gained.