The rising incidence of cooperation between transnational crime and international terrorism is one of the many consequences of globalization and the reordering of power alliances. Bound by similar modus operandi and the prospect of success, crime and terrorism find a common self-interest in the arena of today's asymmetric warfare. The phenomenon is fairly recent and, therefore, data is scant. Much information comes from police cases and mostly anecdotal evidence. The Chechen example, however, may offer a unique case study for analysis. The traditional bonds and opportunistic motives in the region may be a sign of a future trend. Although Chechnya may be extreme, an investigation of conditions and organizational structures there, could illustrate an interesting model of the circumstances and threats that terrorism and crime might pose in a united challenge to legitimate, democratic authority.
Kyle Jarmon studies international relations at Fordham University in New York, his research interests include International finance, markets, and the movement of global capital, activity and organizational structures of transnational crime organizations.
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April 15, 2010
Member deleted
outstanding elaboration on terrorism related issues. Just as I said under Antonios piece, self critical and logical.
"[...] and crime might pose in a united challenge to legitimate, democratic authority." However let us abolish that comma. Vertical movement towards elites would make a) terrorism and b) organised crime less likely.