From 2010, AREU will structure its research programme around the themes of “governance” and “legitimacy,” acknowledging the central role of effective governance in Afghanistan’s stability and development. Recognising that the legitimacy of institutions is essential for effective governance, AREU’s annual research programmes will build knowledge on how both informal and formal institutions are viewed by and affect Afghans in their everyday life, and on how institutional legitimacy has been or can be built.  This perspective will be brought into research across a broad range of important topics, such as access to justice, electoral processes, security, education, natural resource use and management, local government, civil society, and the opium poppy economy. AREU designs its research programme annually to reflect changing circumstances and priorities. Projects are selected based on whether they: 

• Align with the research strategy
• Address a knowledge gap
• Are likely to inform and influence policy and practice
• Are feasible in terms of security, and human and financial resources

The methodology for each research project draws on social science approaches rather than scientific methods that require laboratories or field tests. The specific approach used depends upon research objectives and the experience of the particular staff/consultants involved. AREU has established a reputation for its use of qualitative methods based on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, although it also has conducted multi-site, small sample quantitative research. AREU consults both international and Afghan stakeholders on its projects. Research projects also include both internal and external peer review mechanisms that assist in monitoring the quality of research proposals and final outputs. AREU aims to reserve space in its research programme for both long-term field intensive studies and shorter term studies that respond to strategic opportunities as they arise. AREU develops and produces a variety of print and electronic publications designed to inform and influence policymakers and practitioners: 

• Issues Papers provide an in-depth analysis of a particular issue.
• Synthesis Papers draw together the findings and recommendations of AREU’s long-term research projects.
• Briefing Papers are designed to engage a broad audience and to shape and inform policy debate.
• Discussion Papers are aimed at disseminating ideas on a timely topic to provoke discussion.
• Policy Notes are four-page documents that focus on policy recommendations.
• Briefs are shorter papers for topical or time-sensitive issues.
• Case Studies focus on specific geographic issues or programming areas.
• Translations in Dari and Pashto are usually made of Issues Papers, Synthesis Papers, Briefing papers, Briefs, and Policy Notes, or summaries of them.
• Other Publications include the annual A to Z Guide to Afghanistan Assistance, the quarterly Afghanistan Research Newsletter, as well as supplementary resources such conference proceedings, annotated bibliographies, method notes and literature reviews.

All AREU publications can be downloaded free of charge and most are also available for free from the AREU Kabul office. Publications are distributed to government and nongovernmental organisations, UN agencies, donors, and Afghan and international media working in the country. The only publication charged for is the flagship annual publication, the A to Z Guide to Afghanistan Assistance, with the 2010 edition priced at US$15 or 750 Afghanis per copy. Requests and enquiries can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or made in person at the AREU office from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 3:30pm.