War-to-peace transitions are often shaped by illicit economies, particularly in borderland regions. In these areas, the production, trade and use of drugs are integral to both development and conflict. There is growing recognition of the need to align drug, development and peace building policies. But developing more effective and integrated policies means taking into account the complex trade-offs between these fields.

This eight-page policy brief shares insights from seven conflict- and drug-affected borderlands in Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar, and reflects on their implications for those supporting peace processes, poverty alleviation and development in fragile contexts affected by drugs. It accompanies a 67-page report Voices from the borderlands 2020: illicit drugs, development and peacebuilding.