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The Expanding Influence of Transnational Crime
The Marshall Center’s Countering Transnational Organized Crime program explores the profound threat posed by transnational crime to governmental entities and civil society.
During his lecture Feb. 20, Mr. Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, discussed the growing influence of transnational organized crime and its broader implications on global security.
As the world becomes wealthier, economic disparity continues to fuel grievances, pushing individuals toward illicit activities and strengthening criminal enterprises.
"Transnational criminal organizations are not just a cold, not just a flu; they are a cancer,” Mr. Miklaucic stated. “If they are not stopped, they metastasize and spread until they kill their host."
According to the discussion, 83% of the world's population lives in regions with high criminal activity. Mr. Miklaucic suggested that criminal networks which have long existed, are evolving into highly adaptable, autonomous ecosystems that challenge efforts by governments to curb their influence. The illicit economy, valued at up to $10 trillion, rivals legitimate industries in scale, with cybercrime, counterfeiting, and human trafficking driving its growth.
The rise of criminal states, such as North Korea, which utilizes statecraft for financial gain, and increasing geopolitical divisions between rule-based democracies and authoritarian regimes, contribute to the complexity of the issue. Experts like Mr. Miklaucic warn that the adaptability of these illicit networks, which function at the speed of business while governments operate at the speed of bureaucracy, makes dismantling them exceedingly difficult.
“There is no limit to the creativity of these organizations. They are so adaptive, so able to generate revenue out of the widest and most diverse range of activities. It is virtually impossible to strangle them financially,” Miklaucic explained, citing the Mexican government’s struggle with cartels, only to find themselves outgunned, out manned, and out financed.
As experts continue to study these networks, calls for increased global cooperation and innovative strategies to combat transnational crime grow louder. The adaptability and financial resources of these organizations mean finding effective solutions remains a significant challenge. Over the coming weeks, our participants will continue to explore and discuss cutting-edge strategies for combating transnational organized crime.
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2025 07:40 |
| Story ID: | 491517 |
| Location: | DE |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The Expanding Influence of Transnational Crime, by Sarah Loicano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
