This paper compares two of history's largest producers of opium-Afghanistan (2000-11) and
China (1917-35)-to suggest that in both cases production was facilitated by:(1) A lack of
central control over the national territory;(2) The existence of local power-holders;(3) Internal
violent conflict;(4) The existence of a significant domestic opium consuming population. The
initial analysis is extended by introducing a successful opium production suppression
intervention, The People's Republic of China (1950s/1960s), to suggest that the control of
opium in contemporary Afghanistan requires the Government to:(1) Extend the state into
isolated and hostile areas;(2) Facilitate a sense of self-interest in the Afghan Government
and political elite towards opium suppression;(3) Facilitate a perception that suppression
benefits opium farmers;(4) Strengthen the capacity to monitor opium farmers and enforce …