Rodrigo Ríos Álvarez

🌍 Tackling the nexus between organized crime and terrorism in Latin America Transnational organized crime and terrorist groups are increasingly interconnected, fostering instability and hampering development. ❓ Are we doing enough to combat these growing ties? 🔍 Why you should care: Criminal and terrorist groups are collaborating on activities like drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and money laundering. Their brutal tactics range from kidnappings and murders to cyber-attacks, expanding their reach far beyond traditional battlegrounds. 🚨 What's at stake: These alliances shift terrorists' motivations from purely ideological to financial, making them even harder to combat. With both types of organizations developing sophisticated strategies and forming powerful alliances, the challenges for national and international efforts to curb their influence are monumental. 📢 Key insights: A new UNICRI report analyzes these dynamics in Latin America, offering crucial insights and guiding governments on how to disrupt these dangerous networks effectively. read the report: ➡ https://bit.ly/3VPm1oz 🙏 Armando Antão Cortez and Juan Manuel Olima Espel from the Secretaría de Análisis Integral del Terrorismo Internacional (SAIT) of the Ministerio Público Fiscal, and the Americas, Asia Pacific Section of the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (#CTED), #CrimeTerrorNexus #LatinAmerica #GlobalSecurity #OrganizedCrime #Terrorism #Security #Nexus Christian Vianna de Azevedo, Chiara Bologna, Odhran McCarthy.

13

🌍✨ Understanding the Nexus Between Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism in Latin America 🌟🔍 The intricate relationship between organized crime and terrorism poses significant challenges to security and governance in Latin America. Recently, a comprehensive study by UNICRI has shed light on this critical issue. Here are three key takeaways: 🔸 Cross-Border Criminal Activities: Organized crime and terrorist groups often exploit porous borders, engaging in activities such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking. These activities not only fund terrorism but also destabilize regional security. 🚨🔫 🔸 Economic and Political Impact: The collusion between crime and terrorism undermines economic development and political stability. Corruption, extortion, and violence create an environment of fear and insecurity, hindering investment and progress. 💰📉 🔸 Need for Comprehensive Strategies: Addressing this nexus requires a multi-faceted approach, including international cooperation, robust legal frameworks, and community engagement. Strengthening law enforcement and promoting socio-economic development are essential. 🛡️🤝 Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions. Read the full report to dive deeper into the findings and recommendations. 📖 Read the full article: https://buff.ly/4eZ7Ch6 #TransnationalCrime #Terrorism #LatinAmerica #Security #InternationalRelations #LawEnforcement #EconomicImpact

2

Many Colombian armed groups have issued and required the use of IDs in their territories as a form of maintaining control over communities. But requiring these IDs is just one of many facets of criminal governance in Colombia. Factions of the ex-FARC mafia and other criminal groups have also acted as a de facto government by creating parallel justice systems, collecting taxes, providing security services and law enforcement, and building roads. Read the full analysis at: https://bit.ly/3VOTlw4

75

It is possible to identify three areas of current interest in relation to the control of cognition to advance the interests and aspiration of ideologically driven human collectives. The first is cognitive control of enemy populations connected to "hot wars" . The second touches on the curation of cognition at its edges by focusing on interpretation and behavior rather than on the foundations of cognitive pathways (eg here, and here). The third focuses cognitive control of target populations of competitor or target states (and other collectives) connected to "cold war." This last is the subject of a set of interesting essays focusing on Latin America that is the focus of this post. These control objectives exist on several levels and have been understood in a variety of ways. For example at a fairly benign level they have been referred to as narrative wars, seeking power to manage a "master narrative" within or between human collectives of every sort. In its more ancient (now tech enhanced) and generalized form it pointed to efforts at shaping the imaginaries or lifeworlds of target populations so that, having gained control of the way a target population sees and understands the world around them--makes sense of the world through a process of interpretation grounded in foundational premises about things, processes and "truths." In the context of orderly management within collectives it is sometimes understood, in a more micro-behavior environment, as the control and discovery of mis- mal- and dis-information (especially strong in the context of pandemic since 2019). What these areas of interest struggle with is ways to theorize a critical distinction, one between (1) collective cognitive development as it evolves along with its way of understanding the world--a natural though sometimes violently controlled process within social collectives however organized, and (2) technologies or actions that undermine that process of self development by projecting in the foreign in ways that contain a substantial element of deception. That deception, in turn can focus on the source of inward projection, the strategic leveraging of data (whether true or false as those things are understood), and the simulation of collective engagement. . . .At a very basic level the modalities of that deception focus on mal-, mis- and dis-information. But at the level of cognitive warfare (or battles for cognitive control) its focus is on the way in which a collective identifies, receives and processes this information in ways that are more likely to lead to conclusions and actions that align with the interest of the projecting power. #internationalrelations #ai #cognitivewarfare Cold War Style Cognitive Warfare: "Deepening the Response to Authoritarian Information Operations in Latin America"/"Contrarrestar las operaciones de información de actores autoritarios en Latinoamérica" https://lnkd.in/eTUfKU-e

6

#Mexico #LegalAlert Criminal liability for excessive working hours in Mexico: Work culture under the microscope. The definition of "labor exploitation" regulated under the Human Trafficking Law, has been updated to include excessive working hours. This triggers labor concerns, but most importantly, compliance matters with other regulations and international standards based on human rights that Mexico has adopted. Visit: professionalmindcare.com #WorkCulture #HumanRights #InternationalStandards #Compliance #ComplianceMatters #WorkingHours #LaborRegulations

9

ABA ROLI's office in Colombia and within the framework of its Cartagena Free of Trafficking program, invites public officials, humanitarian agents, civil society organizations, private sector and the general public to participate in the upcoming International Virtual Exchange called "Think Global to Act Locally against Human Trafficking" on July 17 and 18, 2024, which will feature leading experts from #Peru, #Argentina, #Mexico, and the #UnitedStates, among others.   This important event seeks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, best practices, and resources between countries to strengthen the capacity of investigation and prosecution of #humantrafficking cases. The event also aims to improve the protection of the rights of victims in the judicial process and share the recommendations of NGOs in the protection and judicial representation of survivors of this transnational crime affecting all countries around the world. This event will be in Spanish and include simultaneous English interpretation; and will certify the participation of those who attend both days of the event.   Register using the following link: https://lnkd.in/dRMMHbPw See comments for a Spanish translation of this post.

29

3 comentarios

How effectively has Ecuador’s government addressed the security crisis? What is the current state of Daniel Noboa’s popularity after the January attacks? And is Noboa the favorite for the 2025 elections? Listen to Sebastian Hurtado, CEO of Prófitas, on the Americas Quarterly Podcast to learn more about these pressing issues. https://lnkd.in/efyK7NEh

1

Navigating sensitive issues in Latin America can be challenging, especially when discretion is paramount. Whether you need assistance with death verification, brand protection, or any other matter requiring a delicate touch, the experts at BMInvestigations are here to support you. Our team has extensive experience conducting discrete investigations across the region. We understand the cultural nuances and local regulations that can make these inquiries complex. With our specialized knowledge and network of trusted resources, we can help you gather the information you need while maintaining the utmost confidentiality. BMInvestigations can handle even the most discreet assignments, from tracking down hard-to-find facts to protecting your brand's reputation. Let us be your trusted partner for sensitive investigations in Latin America. Reach out to learn more about our investigation services. #LatinAmerica #DiscreteInvestigations #BrandProtection #DeathVerification #SensitiveMatters #confidential #privatedetective #privateinvestigators #polygraphs #employeescreening #frauddetection

20

1 comentario

IHL training is critical for enhancing civilian protection and promoting military conduct that is in accordance with international law. This training is now more relevant than ever in #Colombia where the military faces complex security challenges, such as the dissident armed groups that did not take part in the peace agreement between the government and FARC in 2016. #IHL #training #Colombia #lawsofwar #military https://lnkd.in/eeRwSeJY

16

The new 2024 law restricts firearm possession for those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, marking a big step in protecting survivors. Find out how this change aims to keep survivors safer in this article from @Factchequeado https://lnkd.in/e_FyEDfF

2

"Unveiling the criminal networks behind "Jaguar Trafficking" in Bolivia" Earth League International (ELI), a key player in global change efforts to which we have also contributed, is excited to share the success of Operation JAGUAR. This initiative aims to protect jaguars and combat international wildlife trafficking in the Amazon. ELI has now supported Bolivian authorities twice in these crucial endeavors, following wildlife trafficker arrests in 2021. From 2019 to 2022, IUCN NL, funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, implemented 'Operation Jaguar' in Bolivia, Guyana, and Suriname. The program achieved its goals by understanding illegal jaguar trade, improving poaching prevention, professionalizing enforcement agencies, and prioritizing wildlife trafficking among governments and the public. The operation identified 75 Persons of Interest linked to sophisticated networks, including Chinese mafia groups, and highlighted the connection between jaguar trafficking and other illegal activities such as money laundering, human trafficking, and collaboration with drug traffickers. To the detailed information: https://lnkd.in/dbqPS23R For donation: https://lnkd.in/eMwqh59Z #jaguartrafficking #operationjaguar #earthleagueinternational #ELI #moneylaundering

4

🌐 We will be following the proceedings of the Third Ministerial Summit on Feminist Foreign Policy taking place in Mexico City from 1-3 July. The conference theme for 2024 is “The Future of Feminist Foreign Policies”. You can follow the conference live from here: https://lnkd.in/dKfmEdyh Specific topics in this year’s conference will include themes to be tackled at the upcoming Summit of the Future, including: (1) women’s role in the economy,  (2) gender dynamics in international peace and security, and  (3) bridging the gap with feminist foreign policy in science, tech, and digital cooperation. We join feminist civil society organizations in ensuring that governments continue to implement robust and political feminist foreign policies, in close collaboration and consultation with feminist civil society organizations and centering intersectional feminist analysis and practices. As an Alliance committed to advocating and holding governments accountable for the protection of human rights for all, we consider it to be a crucial space to monitor. Especially as we call on governments to integrate feminist systems change agendas into their foreign policies in a manner that challenges colonial, extractivist and militarist power structures and political mandates at the state level.

18

We are proud to release the first edition of the Latin America Intelligence Report, which focuses on an extensive range of issues impacting the Region. In this edition: Transitional government appointed in Haiti as gang violence continues to rise. (Jared Ashburn) Venezuelan elections pave way for potential opposition victory amidst possible government interference. (Victoria Rebok) Far-right politicians gain ground in Latin America. (Victoria Rebok) The future of Mexico following the 2024 elections (Rosie Montague). Rapid transition to La Niña leaves Latin America vulnerable to weather changes (Victoria Rebok). Migration dynamics in Latin America and their socio-economic impact (Eduardo Damm). Growing militarisation of security forces in Latin America (Eduardo Damm). Head of Desk: Jared Ashburn For questions, comments, and applications, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/e-YTuWWj or email us at info@global-weekly.com #Geopolitics #GlobalWeekly #LatinAmerica #GeopoliticalRisk Disclaimer: The views expressed within this document may or may not reflect the views of Global Weekly or its personnel as a collective. It should not be used to attempt to ascertain any views or opinions held by Global Weekly or its personnel.

32

4 comentarios

Enforcement of Awards Against the Blocked Assets of Sanctioned Parties: The Venezuelan Case by Jose Ignacio Hernandez G., Universidad Central de Venezuela, UCAB - Universidad Católica Andrés Bello; Harvard Kennedy School   https://lnkd.in/eBHahK38 The expropriation policies carried out by the Government of Hugo Chávez between 2002 and 2012 resulted in dozens of arbitration awards, potentially totaling around USD 18 billion dollars - only a fraction of the overall external debt, estimated at USD 140 billion. To enforce some of these awards, creditors have submitted claims to seize the primary external asset of the Venezuelan national oil company: Citgo, a U.S. refinery. In 2019, two U.S. policies aimed to impede the enforcement of these awards: (i) recognizing the speaker of the National Assembly as interim president and ...

2

MAX's daily summary for the Americas highlights and assesses key developments from across the region. These include President Luis Abinader's re-election in the Dominican Republic, the possibility of retaliatory attacks by criminal gangs in Haiti in response to an increased crackdown by law enforcement, and an indefinite strike by health workers in Peru anticipated to cause major disruptions to healthcare nationwide from May 21. Learn how these developments will impact the region, discover strategic recommendations and stay updated by accessing the full report >> https://hubs.ly/Q02xLbV70 #AmericasUpdate #PoliticalInsight #HealthcareStrike #SecurityAlert

8