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Convergence: Illicit Networks and National Security in the Age of Globalization
The Center for Complex Operations (CCO) has produced this edited volume, Illicit Networks and National Security in the Age of Globalization, that delves deeply into everything mentioned above and more. In a time when the threat is growing, this is a timely effort. CCO has gathered an impressive cadre of authors to illuminate the important aspects of transnational crime and other illicit networks. They describe the clear and present danger and the magnitude of the challenge of converging and connecting illicit networks; the ways and means used by transnational criminal networks and how illicit networks actually operate and interact; how the proliferation, convergence, and horizontal diversification of illicit networks challenge state sovereignty; and how different national and international organizations are fighting back. A deeper understanding of the problem will allow us to then develop a more comprehensive, more effective, and more enduring solution.
298 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 11, 2025
Low five, but a high four on other days. The quality of detail about globalization, illicit trade and the quasi-government groups that do them is second to none. What I am not so sure about is the slideshow-like last two chapters of current US policy, which makes his book end on a dated note. I'm still not sure if that's a deal breaker for that fifth star; currently I remain satisfied for most of the book but a particularly bad day may swipe that fifth star back. For now a low five is good.
December 1, 2020
This collection of essays almost makes it for a recommendation, but the authors were all working too hard to sell the subject. They approach the reader with hyperbole and fear-mongering by which they manage to undermine the validity of their line of argument. So the book reads more like a collection of op-eds than research studies, which may be satisfying to those who feed off shallow presentations that support preconceived judgments, but anyone looking for a good, solid read on dark networks will be put off.
Having said that, this collection ranges widely across the subject and includes discussions on terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime. The bones of a very good work are present, but the authors were a bit free with their conflation of various entities and the presentation of conjecture as fact. There is also an annoying trend to generalities when specifics are really necessary. Interesting subjects, such as the financing of dark networks through real estate manipulation or illicit exploitation of natural resources, are stripped of critical context and nuance to better sell the core point running through the book that these dark networks present an existential threat to global governance.
The last three chapters in the final section "Fighting Back" are particularly disappointing, as all they provide is a narrative description of JIIM efforts to combat dark networks without any assessment of effectiveness, discussion of lessons learned, or attempt at suggesting improved methods of operations.
If you’re really interested in dark networks, its still worth a read with a jaded eye. But don’t buy this one – borrow it from a friend. You can have my copy.
Having said that, this collection ranges widely across the subject and includes discussions on terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime. The bones of a very good work are present, but the authors were a bit free with their conflation of various entities and the presentation of conjecture as fact. There is also an annoying trend to generalities when specifics are really necessary. Interesting subjects, such as the financing of dark networks through real estate manipulation or illicit exploitation of natural resources, are stripped of critical context and nuance to better sell the core point running through the book that these dark networks present an existential threat to global governance.
The last three chapters in the final section "Fighting Back" are particularly disappointing, as all they provide is a narrative description of JIIM efforts to combat dark networks without any assessment of effectiveness, discussion of lessons learned, or attempt at suggesting improved methods of operations.
If you’re really interested in dark networks, its still worth a read with a jaded eye. But don’t buy this one – borrow it from a friend. You can have my copy.
January 11, 2016
Today's world of Transnational terrorism and organized crime demonstrates some of the most innovative thinking in the history of human kind. The ability to connect different criminals around the world make a profit on drugs, human trafficking, organ trafficking, and illegitimate business empowers terrorist groups (like Hezbollah) to have higher GDPs than most states in the world, even those that are not failing. Welcome to the new world of warfare. Joint Interagency Task Forces are the new crime fighters of the future. We will continue to utilize military fighting forces in geographic combatant commands to fight the good fight with capacity, technology and leadership. USSOUTHCOM has established the benchmark for other GCCs to follow.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews