This book provides an overview of transnational organized crime in Latin America. It explores the geography of illicit activities, analyzes the relationships of specific groups, assesses the approaches of regional governments to combatting transnational organized crime, and recommends future action for regional governments and US policymakers.
"Although overshadowed by China, Russia's re-engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, which includes military deployments, arms sales, and the negotiation of base access agreements, impacts the regional security environment and potentially challenges U.S. national security. This monograph provides one of the first broad, in depth analyses of Russian engagement in the region, including an examination of its political and economic, as well as military activities, with an examination of implications for the U.S. and recommendation for U.S. policymakers"--Publisher's web site.
In Honduras, one of the nations in Latin America most impacted by transnational organized crime and violent street gangs, the government of President Juan Orlando Hernandez has reduced murders by almost a quarter in 3 years. Hernandez, with U.S. help, has dismantled the leadership of the nation's two principal narcotrafficking transport groups, the Cachiros and the Valle Valles, as well as significantly reducing the use of the country as a transit zone by narco flights and other drug trafficking operations. His initiatives include the controversial creation of a new police force within the military, the Policía Militar del Orden Público (Military Police of Public Order [PMOP]), and a creative new interagency structure, de la Fuerza de Seguridad Interinstitucional Nacional (the National Inter-Agency Security Force [FUSINA]), integrating the military, police, prosecutors, special judges, and other state resources to combat organized crime and delinquency in the country. This monograph by SSI Professor R. Evan Ellis, explores the evolution of organized crime and gangs in Honduras and the innovative approaches of the Hernandez administration to combat these threats, which have significantly challenged governance and prosperity in not only Honduras, but also its neighbors.
Focusing on China's strategic engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, the book analyzes how Beijing utilizes commercial tools to establish a favorable global economic order while countering opposition. It reframes the narrative of the Cold War, emphasizing China's aim to dominate global value chains, supported by political, technological, and military strategies. This approach extends beyond traditional dependency theory, offering a fresh perspective on China's influence in the region and its implications for international relations.
A Comparative Assessment
The book explores Latin America's evolving political, economic, and military ties with non-Western Hemisphere actors in the context of post-Cold War globalization. It emphasizes the significance of these relationships for U.S. military and political leaders, highlighting the associated challenges, opportunities, and vulnerabilities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effectively managing U.S. security in a complex and interdependent global landscape.