This publication describes the disturbing, yet highly important, new trend of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) joining forces with terrorist groups and insurgents in order to create an adaptive, destructive, alternate ecosystem, in which extreme violence and criminal commerce rule. This trend is harmful to both the public interest and public good, as well as to the sovereignty of independent world powers. As this trend increases, the United Nations has issued a "high warning" (or worse) rating to at least one ...
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This publication describes the disturbing, yet highly important, new trend of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) joining forces with terrorist groups and insurgents in order to create an adaptive, destructive, alternate ecosystem, in which extreme violence and criminal commerce rule. This trend is harmful to both the public interest and public good, as well as to the sovereignty of independent world powers. As this trend increases, the United Nations has issued a "high warning" (or worse) rating to at least one-third of U.N. state members. Criminal organizations and terrorist groups have access to quick communication, easy travel, military-grade protection and weapons, legal counsel, and other services that make them forces which can destabilize entire nations. Information about the convergence of TCOs and terrorists and insurgents is very limited due to their ability to remain off the radar of United States defense agencies. It is likely that illicit products used to fund these criminal and terrorist groups comprise two to five percent of global product. These criminal/terrorist networks divert global economic resources, as well as being able to use their power to diminish a state's ability to govern and protect itself. The worldwide nature of this epidemic, how it affects the United States and other world actors, and possible futures are explored in this publication. Related products: Convergence: Illicit Networks and National Security in the Age of Globalization Armed Groups: Studies in National Security, Counterterrorism, and Counterinsurgency Old and New Insurgency Forms Countering Radicalization and Recruitment to Al-Qaeda: Fighting the War of Deeds Antiquities Destruction and Illicit Sales as Sources of ISIS Funding and Propaganda
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