Greater interagency cooperation needed to thwart transnational organized crime

RAND Corporation recently published a report on countering the expansion of transnational criminal networks (TCNs) involved in trafficking drugs, persons, weapons, and other illicit goods. These networks pose a serious threat to U.S. national security and security interests in the Western Hemisphere, especially those that with ties to terrorist groups.

RAND’s report analyzes two transnational criminal pipelines originating in South America. The report aims to identify the operational characteristics of TCNs and strategic alliances among criminal groups; examine how TCNs threaten U.S. interests; describe and analyze U.S. government policies and programs to combat these networks; and identify potential U.S. Army roles to combat TCNs.

Countering TCNs will require whole-of-government and international approaches. Among RAND’s recommendations is the need for improved interagency coordination, with RAND suggesting that the National Security Council be made responsible for coordinating the activities of the departments and agencies involved in counter TCN efforts. RAND also recommends the Army help develop interagency and multinational strategies to counter TCNs, and that Army leaders encourage their units to take advantage of training opportunities with joint interagency task forces.

For more information about this report, please follow the link below.
Counternetwork: Countering the Expansion of Transnational Criminal Networks, RAND Corporation