Transnational Organised Crime and National and International Security: A Global Assessment

This research paper examines the rise of transnational organised crime (TCOs) as a global security threat, analyzing how globalisation and the erosion of state authority have facilitated the growth of criminal networks. It explores the relationship between TCOs and various state types—particularly weak and transitional states—and provides a typology of state roles in facilitating or combating illicit activities. The document details the operational characteristics of TCOs, including their use of ethnic networks and risk management strategies, and assesses the specific threats they pose to national security, financial systems, and human rights.

• The document establishes a typology of state orientations toward TCOs, ranging from 'Confrontation' (vigorous struggle) and 'Reluctant Acquiescence' (acceptance of inability to stop crime) to 'Tacit Connivance' (acknowledging benefits of crime) and 'Active Encouragement' (state officials benefiting directly). 'Collusion' represents the most extreme state, where the state apparatus becomes enmeshed in criminal enterprises.
• Criminal organisations utilize specific bonding mechanisms to prevent infiltration and maintain trust, often based on ethnicity, family ties, or shared experiences in gangs, military service, or prison. These networks are particularly difficult for law enforcement to penetrate due to cultural and language barriers.

APA

Williams, P. (n.d.). Transnational Organised Crime and National and International Security: A Global Assessment. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/SWILLIAMS.PDF

Chicago

Williams, Phil. Transnational Organised Crime and National and International Security: A Global Assessment. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/SWILLIAMS.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Williams |first1=Phil |title=Transnational Organised Crime and National and International Security: A Global Assessment |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/SWILLIAMS.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{williamsndtransnational, author = {Williams, Phil}, title = {{Transnational Organised Crime and National and International Security: A Global Assessment}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/SWILLIAMS.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }