Air Power, International Organizations, and Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan

Abstract

Can the presence of international organizations reduce civilian deaths caused by aerial bombing? This commentary examines this question in the specific context of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. We evaluate this based on interviews conducted with members of international organizations that were present in Afghanistan during the conflict, existing intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and government reports, and with quantitative data on civilian casualties between 2008 and 2013. We conclude that there is tentative evidence from Afghanistan that international organizations can in fact reduce the severity of civilian killings that result from the use of air power. However, there is much need for greater data sharing to more fully answer this important question.

Perspectives on the Afghanistan War: Commentaries on a Misadventure

“…He sees this as a disturbing trend with long-run consequences across militaries of the world. Connie Buscha (2022) outlines ways that the Afghanistan experience changed the role of women in the U.S. military in “Overturning the ‘Risk Rule’ of 1988, Opting for New Risks: U. S. Women Service Members and the War in Afghanistan.” Finally, Susan Allen et al (2022) consider whether international organizations can play a role in reducing civilian casualties from aerial bombing in “Air Power, International Organizations, and Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan.” Using civilian casualty data, they find that international organizations can reduce the risk and reduce the severity of civilian killings.…”