Since the fall of the Taliban regime in the autumn of 2001, Afghanistan has been the subject of a massive multi-lateral military intervention and state-building process. The reconstruction of Afghanistan has been widely touted in the international community as a key to regional and global stability; however, the situation in Afghanistan has steadily deteriorated despite recognition of the mission's importance and the investment of significant resources in the reconstruction venture. Researchers participating in this ongoing research project monitor and analyze developments in Afghanistan’s post-conflict transition, particularly on security issues. The project involves extensive field-based studies on selected issues and international conferences and workshops that generate awareness and spur dialogue on critical challenges.

One major activity which took place in December 2008, was an Afghanistan Town Hall. Utilizing video conferencing technology for the Canadian national dialogue, a panel discussion was organized which featured a premier academic expert, civil society representative, media personality, Afghan government official, and Canadian government representative. Following the Town Hall, a report entitled The Way Forward in Afghanistan was published which summarizes the reflections and recommendations on Canada's policy towards Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan Paper Series is another activity under this project which began after a workshop held in January 2009, co-organized with the Centre for International Policy Studies at the University of Ottawa. The six workshop papers will form the starting point for the new paper series and will seek to challenge existing ideas, contribute to ongoing debates and influence international policy on issues related to Afghanistan’s transition to national stability.