NCJ Number
174218
Journal
Transnational Organized Crime Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 1996 Pages: 40-82
Date Published
1996
Length
43 pages
Annotation
Terrorism and transnational organized crime are discussed in terms of the links between the two phenomena, with emphasis on their individual characteristics, their similarities, and their differences.
Abstract
The analysis focuses on the nature, methods, structure, dynamics, and danger of each form of crime. The discussion notes that terrorist groups are usually ideologically motivated, while organized crime groups are not. Organized crime groups want a bigger share of illegal markets rather than a different ideological system or one not based on market principles. Political terrorists brought to trial usually admit their deeds and use the courtroom as a forum for their political declarations. In contrast, members of organized crime groups generally try to downplay the degree of their involvement in crime. Nevertheless, members of both kinds of groups are generally rational actors; both use intimidation and violence and produce victims. The three main problems in addressing both kinds of crime are reaction time and bureaucratic red tape, the variety of legal traditions and procedures that impede international cooperation, and the issue of sovereignty. Countermeasures need to rest on a realistic and comprehensive analysis, as well as an enhanced international baseline consensus that certain products or trading methods and certain actions are morally unacceptable. Discussions of additional similarities and differences and 132 references