ACSTD provides research, analysis, strategic advisory, programme design, and capacity-building services focused on Afghanistan and the wider region. Our expertise spans terrorism and extremism, governance and civic space, strategic communication and information environments, and regional security.

Research and analysis

Strategic research & policy analysis: We deliver targeted, evidence-based research on terrorism, radicalization, insurgency, and insecurity, as well as democratization, civic engagement, justice, resilience, and regional security dynamics. At ACSTD, we do not approach terrorism and democratization as opposing fields, but as interconnected forces shaping Afghanistan’s trajectory. Our work examines how these dynamics interact, evolve, and influence one another in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This focused spectrum allows us to follow trends, identify risks, and support decision-makers in anticipating shifts and planning effective interventions in volatile environments.

Perception research & public opinion studies: We design and conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to capture public attitudes, grievances, trust levels, and sources of social division. We work in hard-to-reach and politically sensitive areas, using local networks and culturally tailored tools.

Programme design & delivery

Stakeholder engagement: We work with donors, civil society, and local leaders to co-design programmes that reflect local priorities.

Strategic communication, narratives & information analysis

We provide research and advisory support on strategic communication and complex, conflict-affected information environments. Our expertise includes propaganda and messaging analysis, strategic and competing narratives, framing, audience analysis, information and influence activities, communication trends, and the ways state and non-state actors use communication to shape perceptions, legitimacy, behaviour, and public debate.

We help partners understand how narratives and messages emerge, spread, compete, and resonate with different audiences. This can include monitoring and analysing propaganda and extremist messaging, identifying recurring themes and narrative shifts, assessing audience receptivity, mapping communication actors and channels, and developing evidence-based communication and counter-messaging approaches appropriate to the political, social, and cultural context.

Capacity and advisory support

We deliver customized training and advisory programmes designed to strengthen partner capacity and improve effectiveness in Afghanistan’s complex and high-risk environment. Our approach prioritises relevance, interactivity, and long-term impact.

We support public institutions, NGOs, and donors in designing responsive, evidence-based policy frameworks and strategies for complex conflict and governance challenges.

At ACSTD, we work at the nexus of conflict, governance, and civic engagement. Our services are designed to support donors, INGOs, governments, and civil society actors operating in fragile, conflict-affected, and transitional settings with a focus on Afghanistan and the region.

Work with us

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