NCJ Number
179246
Date Published
1999
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This analysis of transnational organized crime argues that it represents a new form of non-state-based authoritarianism and therefore that the collapse of socialist and communist governments and military dictatorships has not produced a transition from authoritarianism.
Abstract
Transnational organized crime groups have their greatest impact in their home countries. However, their authoritarian practices have repercussions outside their domestic base, because these organizations are transnational. Recent examples of intimidation of foreign journalists and infiltration of foreign governments are evidence of the broadening reach of transnational organized crime groups. The legal institutions of the world are still bound to the nation-state, but the forces of coercion are increasingly transnational. Therefore, existing state-based legal systems cannot protect citizens from the new authoritarian threat provided by transnational organized crime. Both traditional and non-state-based authoritarianism affect all aspects of society, including economic relations, political structures, legal institutions, citizen-state relations, and human rights. The authoritarian threat posed by transnational organized crime is not currently as dangerous as that of traditional authoritarian states. However, the increasing wealth and power of transnational organized crime groups has the potential to undermine even the strongest democracies and impede the transition to democracy in transitional countries. The coordinated international effort needed to combat transnational organized crime does not presently exist. This situation may usher in a new form of authoritarianism with severe long-term consequences for much of the world's citizenry. Reference notes