Hamid Azizi is from the College of Business, Government and Law and is one of the recipients for the 2024 Best Higher Degree by Research Student Publication Award.
Hamid’s publication was titled “A systematic review of the extent of the Taliban and FARC’s involvement and profit from drug trade and methods of estimating income from the drug trade”
We invited Hamid to share insights into the PhD journey and what winning this award means.
What does your publication explore?
This paper, through a systematic review of the existing literature, maps and summarises empirical knowledge about the Taliban and FARC’s (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) involvement and profit from the illicit drug trade in Afghanistan and Colombia, respectively. It shows what percentage of the Taliban and FARC incomes were derived from the drug trade and identify the similarities and differences regarding the nature of involvement, profitability, and estimation methods between studies and terrorist groups.
What is your research about?
My research broadly explores the nexus between terrorism and organised crime (crime-terror nexus), with a specific focus on the nature and extent of the Taliban’s involvement in and profit from the drug trade pre and post August 2021 regime change in Afghanistan. Through a mixed-method approach, I have collected firsthand data from nearly 200 key drug trade actors such as drug traffickers and poppy growing farmers as well as stakeholders from inside and outside Afghanistan.
Tell us about your PhD journey so far
I began my PhD journey in June 2021, and I am now nearing its completion, with plans to submit my thesis for examination in the coming weeks. This journey has been both intellectually enriching and personally transformative and has strengthen my confidence as a researcher. While there have been challenges along the way, they have been an integral part of the learning process. I am deeply grateful for the full support of my principal supervisor, Associate Professor Caitlin Hughes, whose guidance and support has been instrumental in this journey. My PhD involved collecting data from hard-to-reach populations, including poppy-growing farmers and drug traffickers—a research that would not have been possible without my principal supervisor’s invaluable mentorship. I also extend my sincere appreciation to my associate supervisor, Associate Professor Hossein Esmaeili, for his guidance and encouragement. Looking back, I am proud of what I have accomplished so far and can confidently say that this PhD journey has so far been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning this award is an incredible honor and a meaningful recognition of my hard work by university. It is encouraging to see my efforts and hard work is being acknowledged in this way.
What advice would you give to current or prospective PhD students?
Start planning your PhD journey from the very beginning! While 3-4 years may seem like a long time, they pass quickly. Maintaining a clear timeline and schedule is key to success. Make the most of the many training and capacity-building opportunities Flinders University offers to HDR students, and don’t hesitate to connect with fellow HDR peers. A PhD is a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging at times. Always reach out to your supervisor—they are there to support and guide you.
Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP! Keep going, stay motivated, and enjoy this incredible and transformative journey.