This monograph suggests an explanation for the US-led international coalition's challenges during their stabilization efforts in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2018. The theory of a hierarchy of needs argues that lower-level needs must be sufficiently provided before addressing higher-level needs. Consequently, from the local population's perspective, security needs are subordinate to basic physiological needs. However, the intervening forces implemented a Shape-Clear-Hold-Build-Transition approach, which prioritized security over everything else. A possible solution to that dilemma is to address both needs simultaneously rather than sequentially. The study used qualitative data analysis and examined eighty-two interviews with American and Afghan officials, conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The results indicate that a phased approach focused on "security first" had no impact or a negative impact on stabilization efforts' outcomes. At the same time, attempts that simultaneously addressed security and reconstruction, based on an understanding of locals' needs and their priorities, consistently led to better and longer-lasting results. More research is necessary to validate the suggested theoretical construct. However, assuming the findings hold true, the author's conclusions offer possible improvements to designing, planning, and implementing future stability operations.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)