Curry, Peter

Curry, Peter. Dynamic Tension: Security, Stability, and the Opium Trade. in Karen Gutteri’s Complex Operations Case Studies Series Vol. 2. Washington, DC: Center for Complex Operations, National Defense University, 2010. http://www.nps.edu/Academics/AcademicGroups/GPPAG/Docs/PDF/Research%20and%20Publications/2_TN_Dynamic_Tension.pdf (accessed 19 December 2011).

This case study discusses and draws lessons from the experiences of a fictional brigade commander (based on a composite of many brigade commanders in similar situations) assigned to an area of Afghanistan where poppy production is widespread. It is designed for officers at the War College (executive or near-executive) level, and can be used as an instructional tool to force students to think at an operational or strategic level, rather than a tactical one.