Anthem Press Transnational Crimes in the Americas: Law, Policy and Institutions

‘Transnational Crimes in the Americas’ addresses contemporary issues with respect to public institutions that are stakeholders in the fight against globalization of crime. Regional public organizations, with a primary focus on the Americas, constitute a framework for understanding the need for an institutional response within the Western Hemisphere. While other authors have addressed the growth of organized crime, no one has explained institutional developments in the struggle against transnational crimes. 'Transnational Crimes in the Americas’ highlights existing organizations, emphasizing a regional response to transnational crimes, suggestions for a permanent criminal court in the Americas and an appraisal of the current state of institutional developments in the region. Book Description A study of the importance of working within public, international organizations to combat transnational crime. About the Author Marshall B. Lloyd is adjunct professor at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, USA, and a practising attorney in the state of Texas. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Transnational Crimes in the Americas Law, Policy and Institutions By Marshall B. Lloyd Wimbledon Publishing Company Copyright © 2018 Marshall B. Lloyd All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-78308-841-6 Contents List of Illustrations, ix, Acknowledgments, xi, Chapter One Formation of an Institutional Response to Combat Transnational Crimes, 1, Chapter Two Regional Organizations in the Americas, 25, Chapter Three Transnational Crimes in the Americas: Regional and Subregional Responses, 49, Chapter Four Combating Transnational Crimes in the Americas, 75, Chapter Five Cooperating against Transnational Crimes: A Framework for Sustainable, Alternative Development in the Americas, 127, Chapter Six Strengthening the Inter-American System: Establishing an Enforcement Response to Transnational Crimes, 157, Chapter Seven Support for a Regional Response to Transnational Crimes, 179, Chapter Eight Conclusion, 193, Appendix A, 221, Appendix B, 225, Appendix C, 227, Acronyms and Abbreviations, 231, Bibliography, 235, Index, 283, CHAPTER 1 FORMATION OF AN INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE TO COMBAT TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES A. Introduction Transnational organized crime (TOC) represents a serious threat to the sovereignty of nation-states as criminal groups extend their influence within public institutions and diversify their enterprises. Organized criminal activities include, but are not limited to, illicit drugs, trafficking in weapons, money laundering and human trafficking. Globalization of markets presents an opportunity to establish networks that extend beyond traditional hierarchical structures of criminal groups. Contributing to the growth of TOC is the globalization of commerce that benefits from an easing of trade restrictions, technology in the form of communication systems and financial institutions that can transfer billions from criminal networks. It is not surprising that activities of TOC networks threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Transnational criminal organizations "are increasingly entrenched in the operations of foreign governments and the international financial system, thereby weakening democratic institutions, degrading the rule of law, and undermining economic markets. These organizations facilitate and aggravate violent civil conflicts and increasingly facilitate activities of other dangerous persons." In some cases, countries entering into trade agreements neglect to address criminal organizations despite subsequent developments indicating that criminal networks take advantage of integrating markets and financial institutions. Acting alone, some countries attempt to seize the assets of criminal networks, while urging others to adopt similar measures against criminal organizations that "mov[e] vast sums of ill-gotten gains through the i