Countries around the world are currently facing unprecedented security challenges due to an upsurge in transnational crime, especially that which involves narcotics, weapons, and human trafficking. Unfortunately, this upsurge has been associated with an alarming escalation of violence in the region. Just by glancing at recent newspaper headlines, it is easy to see the pervasive effects that transnational crime has had on the politics, security, and societies of these countries.
President Obama declared that transnational crime is a threat to the national security of the United States and threatens the stability of
international political and economic systems. Multi-ethnic transnational
criminal organizations include: The Mara Salvatrucha, aka MS-13 in
Washington, DC, and the 18th Street gang, also known as M18 in Los
Angeles, Hell’s Angels and the Fuk Ching gang in the United States, the Yakuza of Japan, Licciardi clan in Italy, the Liu Yong syndicate in
China, the 28s Prison gang in South Africa, the Arellano- Felix group in Mexico, the Brothers circles in Eurasia.
Getting to the root of the problem as well as coming up with viable solutions are elements much less obvious but critically essential. This forum will seek to analyze these challenges and formulate viable road maps and possible solutions for the benefit of educated public opinion, government leaders, private sector entities, and the international community.
Featuring:
Dr. Alexandre Mansourov, Visiting Scholar at the U.S.-Korea Institute at SAIS of the John Hopkins University
Moderator:
Prof. Ruth Wedgwood, Professor of International Law and Diplomacy,
Johns Hopkins University
