Globalization and Crime

A new report from the UN concludes that the same forces that make globalization so appealing, such as unfettered travel and communications, are also providing a huge boost to narcotics traffickers, who take advantage of porous borders to ply their trade. This is particularly true in the European Union, where people can move freely within the EU's member states. In addition, drug traffickers are taking advantage of instability in many African states, like Guinea-Bissau, where chronic chaos and corruption make it easy for criminals to use the country as a way station between producer Latin America and consumer Europe. Insurgent groups in unstable states are able to draw revenue from the drug trade and further their rebellion. Under pressure in Mexico, drug cartels are shifting their focus to Guatemala, a state with weaker institutions. The report warns that narcotics traffickers could join forces with transnational terrorists, posing a threat to the global system. – YaleGlobal