David M. Luna 🦏 🌎 🐘 Threat Convergence ≜ Kine-Dynamics

Official Remarks at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Illicit Trade Session

David M. Luna
Senior Director for National Security and Diplomacy Anti-Crime Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Geneva, Switzerland
October 1, 2015

The Dark Side of Globalization: Fighting Illicit Trade to Safeguard Integrity Across Economies, Markets, and Supply Chains

In too many places around the world, including in developing countries… Show more

Official Remarks at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Illicit Trade Session

David M. Luna
Senior Director for National Security and Diplomacy Anti-Crime Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Geneva, Switzerland
October 1, 2015

The Dark Side of Globalization: Fighting Illicit Trade to Safeguard Integrity Across Economies, Markets, and Supply Chains

In too many places around the world, including in developing countries, criminals have built great empires on dirty money and laundered funds to infiltrate and corrupt government institutions. In this shadowy, illegal economy traffickers and narcotics kingpins act as CEOs and venture capitalists while they build their empires of destruction, jeopardizing public health, emaciating communities’ human capital, eroding our collective security, and destabilizing fragile governments.
This darker side of global trade is thriving with hundreds of billions of dollars in illicit commerce that includes trafficking in narcotics, persons, endangered wildlife, illegally-logged timber, counterfeit consumer goods and medications, hazardous and toxic waste, stolen antiquities and art, illicitly-traded cigarettes, and other illicitly-traded goods and commodities.

Simply put, illicit trade is an obstacle to shared prosperity, by breeding corruption and siphoning capital and human resources away from productive economic activity.

As societies grapple with insecurity and instability, illicit trafficking and corruption further decay any remaining sustainable pillars for development when governments cannot afford to provide vital public security and law enforcement because revenue streams from legitimate commerce are being siphoned away by corrupt officials, smugglers, and criminals.

Full Remarks can be found at:
http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2015/247677.htm

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Keynote Remarks, David M. Luna, OECD-APEC Roundtable on Combating Corruption Related to Human Trafficking, Cebu, Philippines

"No one should ever have to be subjected to human trafficking, forced into sexual exploitation, or recruited and forced to serve as a gang member, child soldier, or terrorist. . . .No person should ever have a price tag attached to their heart and soul nor be restricted, abused, and violated against their physical integrity and free will. Yet, over 20 million… Show more

Keynote Remarks, David M. Luna, OECD-APEC Roundtable on Combating Corruption Related to Human Trafficking, Cebu, Philippines

"No one should ever have to be subjected to human trafficking, forced into sexual exploitation, or recruited and forced to serve as a gang member, child soldier, or terrorist. . . .No person should ever have a price tag attached to their heart and soul nor be restricted, abused, and violated against their physical integrity and free will. Yet, over 20 million people are estimated to be entrapped in modern slavery. According to some estimates, trafficking in persons has become one of the most lucrative forms of organized crime, behind arms and drugs trafficking, with illicit profits exceeding $150 billion every year.

We have all heard the many horrors of lives ruined by rapacious criminals. Stories of Cambodian men and boys who are promised jobs in neighboring economies and end up spending years out at sea without ever setting foot on shore, and working 15 hour days with little or no pay in the fishing industry.

Or stories of women and girls from across the Asia-Pacific region who are similarly lured by promises of paying jobs overseas, only to be beaten and forced into prostitution, in some instances through debt bondage and threats of arrest to remain in brothels. In other parts of the world in conflict environments, women and children are sold and enslaved by terrorists for unspeakable acts. Children are often the most vulnerable to abuse. Criminals lure children into forced labor or the loathsome child sex trade."​

Find full remarks of Senior Director David M. Luna at: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2015/246350.htm
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The United States faces serious threats to our national security, from the brutality and violent extremism that we are seeing in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Libya, and other hot spots of conflict, to deadly pandemics such as the Ebola virus, to the destructive consequences of climate change, and of course, cybercrime and the harms caused by transnational crime and corruption. . . .

. . . . Given these excesses and the costs of terrorism, crime and corruption, it is no wonder that as UN… Show more

The United States faces serious threats to our national security, from the brutality and violent extremism that we are seeing in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Libya, and other hot spots of conflict, to deadly pandemics such as the Ebola virus, to the destructive consequences of climate change, and of course, cybercrime and the harms caused by transnational crime and corruption. . . .

. . . . Given these excesses and the costs of terrorism, crime and corruption, it is no wonder that as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and other luminaries have aptly observed over the past year, the “world is a mess”. . . .

. . . .Moreover, if we factor in issues like pandemics, climate change, and the fact that we are poaching endangered wildlife, destroying vital ecosystems, and extracting critical resources at a rate of consumption that is not sustainable, our global security remains uncertain. . . .

. . . .We must recognize that the United States has a unique capability to mobilize and lead the international community to meet them. . . .

. . . . And while so much is asked of the United States in these dangerous times, other partners must also step up and become more responsible partners towards safeguarding our shared security and defend our common humanity including our Arab nation partners, the EU, China, Mexico, India, international organizations, and many, many others. . . .

When nations work together across borders and sectors as partners, humanitarians, and agents of positive change, catalyzing and collective action can defeat today’s agents of mass destruction and secure an enduring global peace.

I firmly believe that we must leave this world a little better than what we inherited – a cleaner environment, safer communities, and more prosperous societies, and help to rebalance our humanity and planet for our posterity and sustainable futures.

Full remarks can be found at: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2015/237991.htm Show less

A merciless, ideologically-driven terrorist organization bent on creating an Islamic caliphate—from the Levant to Southeast Asia and across Africa—ISIL is in many ways the newest model of a threat network: an international organization that exports fear and exploits profitable opportunities to further its ideological and criminal goals.

Their ideology and violent acts are themselves repulsive as we saw in the litany of horrific crimes against the Yazidis in Iraq. Make no mistake, ISIL… Show more

A merciless, ideologically-driven terrorist organization bent on creating an Islamic caliphate—from the Levant to Southeast Asia and across Africa—ISIL is in many ways the newest model of a threat network: an international organization that exports fear and exploits profitable opportunities to further its ideological and criminal goals.

Their ideology and violent acts are themselves repulsive as we saw in the litany of horrific crimes against the Yazidis in Iraq. Make no mistake, ISIL would not hesitate to maximize their propensity for further mass violence to the highest degree by unleashing a traditional WMD to murder large numbers of innocent people and continue their march of destruction.

This is why I would venture to add that, in my personal opinion, ISIL, and other terrorist groups, are agents of mass destruction that are killing innocent people, obliterating communities and holy sites, and committing mass atrocities that test the limits of our humanity, such as beheadings, crucifixions, rapes, and other forms of violence.

A corollary concern is the frightening reality of today’s global threat environment consisting of the potential use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. In some cases, these WMD remain insufficiently safeguarded from theft or other illicit access.

There are still too many terrorists, criminals, and rogue facilitators driven to get access to these WMD; people and networks committed to unleashing these weapons upon scores of innocent people.

Past seizures of weapons-grade nuclear material indicate that such materials continue to circulate on the black market, where they can be bought by criminals and, potentially, transferred to terrorists.

David M. Luna Full Remarks can be found at:

http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2014/234291.htm Show less

At the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing in November 2014, Presidents Obama and Xi and other Leaders will elevate their commitment to fight corruption and bribery across borders to safeguard APEC’s economic agenda to reduce poverty, promote greater economic development, and ensure shared prosperity for all economies. The APEC meeting provides a global stage for President Xi to display his commitment to upholding global transparency standards, which will aid in China’s… Show more

At the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing in November 2014, Presidents Obama and Xi and other Leaders will elevate their commitment to fight corruption and bribery across borders to safeguard APEC’s economic agenda to reduce poverty, promote greater economic development, and ensure shared prosperity for all economies. The APEC meeting provides a global stage for President Xi to display his commitment to upholding global transparency standards, which will aid in China’s economic transformation and further uphold China’s standing as a global economic leader.

Because of the corrosive impact of corruption to regional security, economic development, and the promotion of trade and investment, the United States and China are working together to address today’s governance across the Asia-Pacific region and fostering public-private partnerships and a shared responsibility among key APEC stakeholders based on common interests, values, and mutual respect.

Denying safe haven to corrupt officials and their illicitly derived assets is also a priority for the United States. The United States continues to take and promote measures to encourage our international partners to similarly deny entry to corrupt foreign officials and their illicitly acquired assets, including through commitments made in the G20 and other multilateral fora.

Adherence to the rule of law and compliance with international legal norms are of the utmost importance to improving cooperation in denying safe havens to corrupt officials.

Full Op-Ed in Chinese and English can be found at: http://weekly.caixin.com/2014-10-31/100745353.html Show less

A World Unbalanced: Addressing Global Risks, Threats, and Shocks: We meet at a critical time. Our world is becoming more dangerous than ever, and where threats know no boundaries. In the past few years alone, we have witnessed a host of catastrophic disasters and threats that imperil our humanity and planet alike. Across a wide spectrum of global risks, we have seen the devastating effects that earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, pandemics such as Ebola, cyber attacks, terrorism, and transnational… Show more

A World Unbalanced: Addressing Global Risks, Threats, and Shocks: We meet at a critical time. Our world is becoming more dangerous than ever, and where threats know no boundaries. In the past few years alone, we have witnessed a host of catastrophic disasters and threats that imperil our humanity and planet alike. Across a wide spectrum of global risks, we have seen the devastating effects that earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, pandemics such as Ebola, cyber attacks, terrorism, and transnational crime and corruption can have on communities seeking to integrate more fully into the global economy and build more dynamic markets.

Across black markets around the world, a web of thugs and criminals is corroding and corrupting our institutions and penetrating key sectors. Of equal concern is how illicit trade helps criminal and terrorist organizations finance and expand their own operations, creating a upward spiral of insecurity and instability across the globe. Their barbaric violence, atrocities, and mass destruction of peace and order test our humanity. From the taking away of innocent human life to the slaughtering of endangered species and destruction of rainforests, bad actors and networks are helping to make this world a more dangerous and unstable place.

Trafficking victims around the world are enslaved, sexually abused, tortured, and in some cases, murdered. Around the world, endangered wildlife such as rhinos, elephants, tigers, and orangutans are being slaughtered to feed an insatiable demand for these iconic animals. All over the world, counterfeit medicines are harming and killing children and adults who are seriously ill or are being treated for a medical condition.

As we stand at the crossroads of insecurity and peace, I am hopeful that by working together we can shape a better world for our children today and their sustainable futures tomorrow, and help bring our humanity and planet back into balance.

Full remarks: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/
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If one were to walk in some of our major cities, one could easily confront vendors....hawking designer bags, watches, eyewear, jewelry, footwear, and other luxury knockoffs, that have been counterfeited or smuggled by criminals across borders including such iconic brands such as GUCCI, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Polo, and others. I even learned that one could buy a fake Ferrari, with an unfashionable “turbocharged” Toyota Corolla engine. This is unfortunate because all over… Show more

If one were to walk in some of our major cities, one could easily confront vendors....hawking designer bags, watches, eyewear, jewelry, footwear, and other luxury knockoffs, that have been counterfeited or smuggled by criminals across borders including such iconic brands such as GUCCI, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Polo, and others. I even learned that one could buy a fake Ferrari, with an unfashionable “turbocharged” Toyota Corolla engine. This is unfortunate because all over the world, smart consumers celebrate the real brands, trust their quality, and love their style.

Of course, the illegal economy and demand for fake handbags, shoes, perfumes, apparel and other luxury products make it harder for legitimate business to compete against these imported fake products. In these instances, illicit trade results in lost profits for companies, job displacements for workers, and with business closures, governments too are economically impacted as less revenue is brought into the treasuries to fund public services.

However, economic loss is not the only harm that results from fake goods. Companies also have to address the diminished integrity and market reputation of their venerable brands that they have worked hard to build and innovate upon over many years.

Crimes such as counterfeiting, human trafficking, money laundering and corruption are often interconnected, with profits from one illicit trade area used to advance further criminal complicity in other areas; and as criminals reinvest their filthy lucre and blood money into the legal economy, they are further stifling entrepreneurial innovation, brand integrity, and legitimate private enterprise.

We need to drain the swamp of criminality and cesspools of illicit activity that are corrupting our institutions, markets, and iconic brands.

Full remarks can be found at:
http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2014/227612.htm
See also: http://fakesareneverinfashion.org/
http://www.unodc.org/counterfeit/ Show less

What happens in West Africa no longer stays in West Africa. Illicit trade is feeding destabilization across West Africa, the Sahel, and the Maghreb. Communities here face a complex set of challenges that threaten the security of all nations in the region and beyond. . . .We must recognize that trans-regional illicit trafficking of drugs, arms, humans, and other illicit trade goods and services, are fueling greater insecurity and instability across Africa, and in other parts of the… Show more

What happens in West Africa no longer stays in West Africa. Illicit trade is feeding destabilization across West Africa, the Sahel, and the Maghreb. Communities here face a complex set of challenges that threaten the security of all nations in the region and beyond. . . .We must recognize that trans-regional illicit trafficking of drugs, arms, humans, and other illicit trade goods and services, are fueling greater insecurity and instability across Africa, and in other parts of the world.

Criminal entrepreneurs, bad actors and networks continue to move people and products along an illicit trafficking corridor across Africa.

From the coca and opium poppy fields of Colombia and Southeast Asia to the coasts of West Africa and its hashish plantations, drug cartels and other criminal networks navigate an illicit superhighway that serves illicit markets across the continent and around the globe. They use commercial jets, fishing vessels, and container ships to move drugs, people, small arms, crude oil, cigarettes, counterfeit medicine, and toxic waste through the region, generating massive profits.

At a time when many are heralding the rise of some of the world’s fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, these criminal entrepreneurs are undermining that growth by financing booming illicit markets, turning many vulnerable communities into a corridor of insecurity and instability.

On top of all this, the changing climate in the Sahel and West Africa, and throughout Africa, can have profound security implications for the region, in the context of other destabilizing factors and existing vulnerabilities. As climate change contributes to hotter temperatures, rising coastal sea levels, desertification, natural disasters, rapid urbanization, and deforestation, greater pressure will be placed on food supplies, water levels, fisheries, and other critical resources. . . .

Full remarks at: www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2014/222591.htm

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Remarks at Risques et Menaces de L'Hypermodernite: CSFRS, Ecole Militaire, Paris, France, December 13, 2013

"Let me now say a few words about the cataclysmic events that threaten global security, especially those forces of nature that, when crossed with human disasters, engender an unprecedented level of vulnerability. Catastrophic heat waves, typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, new diseases—any one of these disasters can cause major disruptions to our physical infrastructure, economies… Show more

Remarks at Risques et Menaces de L'Hypermodernite: CSFRS, Ecole Militaire, Paris, France, December 13, 2013

"Let me now say a few words about the cataclysmic events that threaten global security, especially those forces of nature that, when crossed with human disasters, engender an unprecedented level of vulnerability. Catastrophic heat waves, typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, new diseases—any one of these disasters can cause major disruptions to our physical infrastructure, economies, and institutions. When they converge with other geo-security threats (corruption, crime, terrorism), they create the “perfect storm” that can wreak havoc on the stability and security of states and communities. Across the Middle East and Sahel, climate change, scarcity of resources, and human-caused disasters are contributing to anti-government movements, instability, and the breakdown of social harmony and cohesion.

I cannot emphasize this enough: to manage change and mitigate emerging geo-security risks such as these, we must better understand the adverse effects that corruption, illicit trade, and other global threats can have on economic growth and on achieving millennium development goals, as well as our security. More so now than ever before, it is crucial that we work together to address these international and transnational challenges.

Ladies and gentlemen, corruption and crime exist in every corner of the globe. So do terrorism and climate change. They occur in many of our communities, and on those occasions when they converge, they can bring disorder and instability. . . .

We cannot give ourselves up to despair, we must march forward together to confront today’s global threats and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges recognizing that the real threat centers in their convergence."

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David M. Luna Concluding Remarks at Ecole Militaire, Paris, 13 12 2013 (Risques et Menaces de L'Hypermodernite).

In the immortal words of one of the world’s greatest leaders and humanitarians of our lifetime, and someone who has had a tremendous impact on my views on humanity and security, I would like to conclude with a quote from Nelson Mandela, which I hope will end on a positive, inspiring note on the power of resiliency:

"I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes… Show more

David M. Luna Concluding Remarks at Ecole Militaire, Paris, 13 12 2013 (Risques et Menaces de L'Hypermodernite).

In the immortal words of one of the world’s greatest leaders and humanitarians of our lifetime, and someone who has had a tremendous impact on my views on humanity and security, I would like to conclude with a quote from Nelson Mandela, which I hope will end on a positive, inspiring note on the power of resiliency:

"I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death."

We cannot give ourselves up to despair, we must march forward together to confront today’s global threats and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges recognizing that the real threat centers in their convergence.
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Harming our environment also harms humanity. Environmental security issues will indeed be one of the largest challenges facing all of us in the coming decades including the impact of rapid development, deforestation, climate change, forced migration, and the impacts that natural disasters and pandemics will have on food supplies, water levels and fisheries, and other geo-political and security pressures. Given that we are a global community, consuming the equivalent of one-and-one half times… Show more

Harming our environment also harms humanity. Environmental security issues will indeed be one of the largest challenges facing all of us in the coming decades including the impact of rapid development, deforestation, climate change, forced migration, and the impacts that natural disasters and pandemics will have on food supplies, water levels and fisheries, and other geo-political and security pressures. Given that we are a global community, consuming the equivalent of one-and-one half times our planet’s existing natural resources, at this rate of consumption, our ecological footprint is detrimental and unsustainable; and the realities and consequencs of climate change may fuel greater conflict, insecurity, and instability. We have reached a point where we have no choice but to work together. It is only through partnership and collective action that we will achieve environmentally sustainable growth, sustainable security, and increase societal resilience to global risks such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, pandemics, corruption, illicit trade, and preserving world order. Remarks follow at: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/rm/2013/214731.htm#!
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Below the surface of globalization and the green revolution, a global web of crime and corruptionfeeds an illegal economy that is corroding market-based economies and democratic institutions, threatening the health and safety of citizens around the world, and endangering vital ecosystems and habitats. Staying ahead of these illicit networks will take a global network working collaboratively across sectors, governments and organizations. . . .Just as businesses carefully analyze the risks and… Show more

Below the surface of globalization and the green revolution, a global web of crime and corruptionfeeds an illegal economy that is corroding market-based economies and democratic institutions, threatening the health and safety of citizens around the world, and endangering vital ecosystems and habitats. Staying ahead of these illicit networks will take a global network working collaboratively across sectors, governments and organizations. . . .Just as businesses carefully analyze the risks and opportunities of emerging markets before investing, so these international stakeholders—from law enforcement agencies to corporations—must identify and quantify the vulnerabilities of markets and communities to illicit trade before they can develop a strategy to combat it and shut down the illegal economy. Only then can we help impacted communities turn their economies into the investment frontiers of tomorrow, and safeguard their human capital, national assets, and natural resources. David M. Luna Show less

Fighting Networks with Networks (Transnational Crime, Corruption, Terrorism): Today's global threat environment is characterized by convergence. In an interconnected world, the pipelines linking transnational illicit actors, facilitators, and threat networks cut across borders, infiltrate and corrupt licit markets, penetrate fragile governments, and undercut the interests and security of our partners across the international community. . . .the United States is joining forces with global… Show more

Fighting Networks with Networks (Transnational Crime, Corruption, Terrorism): Today's global threat environment is characterized by convergence. In an interconnected world, the pipelines linking transnational illicit actors, facilitators, and threat networks cut across borders, infiltrate and corrupt licit markets, penetrate fragile governments, and undercut the interests and security of our partners across the international community. . . .the United States is joining forces with global partners to take the fight directly to today's threats; dismantle their networks, safe havens and sanctuaries; unravel the illicit financial nodes that sustain a web of criminality and corruption; safeguard human capital, national assets, and natural resources; develop strong law enforcement and multi-disciplinary threat mitigation capabilities and responses; nurture market resiliency; enhance cooperation with businesses through public-private partnerships; and empower and support communities to strengthen political will and to leverage innovation, technologies, and digital applications to expose the harms and costs of illicit trade/illicit networks and to realize an enduring peace and global security, nurture and sustain freer and just societies, and promote open governance, open markets and shared prosperity.

"The faith we hold belongs not to us alone but to the free of all the world."
First Inaugural Address, January 20, 1953.
Statue of President Eisenhower in Grosvenor Square

"In honor and memory of all patriots, civilian and military, who give their lives for our country to courageously advance our democratic values and ideals including to end tyranny and combat terrorism and violent crime, promote freedom and the rule of law, and safeguard security so that people can build a better world that nurtures sustainable peace, progress, and human dignity. Their sacrifice is never forgotten and strengthens our resolve." David M. Luna, Convergence Book/Blog Dedication (Facebook)
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The illegal economy poses an existential threat when it begins to create criminalized markets and captured states, which launches a downward, entropic spiral towards greater insecurity and instability. In economies that have been corrupted by criminal networks, market- and state-building become more unattainable; economic growth is stunted; efforts towards development and poverty eradication are stifled; vital habitats and ecosystems are destroyed in a manner that help to contribute to climate… Show more

The illegal economy poses an existential threat when it begins to create criminalized markets and captured states, which launches a downward, entropic spiral towards greater insecurity and instability. In economies that have been corrupted by criminal networks, market- and state-building become more unattainable; economic growth is stunted; efforts towards development and poverty eradication are stifled; vital habitats and ecosystems are destroyed in a manner that help to contribute to climate change; and foreign direct investment is deterred.

From an economic perspective, illicit activities divert money from the balance sheets
of legitimate businesses and put cash in the hands of criminals, who build larger and larger illicit
networks. These networks threaten the stability of governments and the prosperity of our
economies. National revenue and assets intended to finance the future are instead embezzled and
stashed away for private gain, impairing the ability of communities and businesses to make the
investments necessary to create resilient pathways for economic growth and give people hope for
a brighter tomorrow.

Working together, we can develop a community of action.

Together we must create legitimate markets to replace and shut down illegal markets. Nurturing
the network of government and business leaders that support innovation in the vibrant sectors of
tomorrow – such as computer and high engineering industries, bio-medical, green energy and
other emergent technologies – and harnessing the ideas, talents, and human potential of our
citizens, will help our government officials and entrepreneurs create the right governance
conditions across sectors for new markets and investment frontiers to thrive globally. Show less

The Trans-Atlantic Dialogue on Combating Crime-Terror Pipelines launched an international discourse examining crime-terror pipelines across the global threat environment with the goal of strengthening cooperation to identify interlocking nodes, critical threats, and vulnerable jurisdictions. While the Dialogue explored the regional and global reach of today’s threat networks, it also focused on the required responses to these challenges. Numerous international experts and practitioners… Show more

The Trans-Atlantic Dialogue on Combating Crime-Terror Pipelines launched an international discourse examining crime-terror pipelines across the global threat environment with the goal of strengthening cooperation to identify interlocking nodes, critical threats, and vulnerable jurisdictions. While the Dialogue explored the regional and global reach of today’s threat networks, it also focused on the required responses to these challenges. Numerous international experts and practitioners identified smart law enforcement tools, strategic capabilities, sanctions, and other levers to: disrupt and dismantle networks of illicit actors and their financial pipelines; maximize information sharing across the international community; and facilitate the development of concrete policy recommendations to isolate financial hubs and deny safe haven to criminals, terrorists, and their facilitators. Above all, the Dialogue underscored a need for greater collective action to combat converging threat networks, protect citizens, break the financial strength of criminal and terrorist networks, shut down corrupt and illicit channels, and strengthen the rule of law and judicial systems.

Other key recommendations included a call for developing an anticipatory approach to crime-terror interaction, and coordinate actions to mitigate the current threats posed by adaptive actors and hybrid networks; and coordinating efforts to identify and uproot safe havens and exploitable sanctuaries that enable criminals, terrorists, and other illicit actors and networks to corrupt governments, access illegal markets, and stage operations without fear of reprisal from law enforcement. Expose and prevent conditions for the nesting of illicit forces with criminalized states.

The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, hosted this Trans-Atlantic Dialogue in June 2012, on the campus of the National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, DC. Show less

The Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime applies all elements of national power to protect citizens and U.S. national security interests from the convergence of 21st century transnational criminal threats. This Strategy is organized around a single unifying principle: to build, balance, and integrate the tools of American power to combat transnational organized crime and related threats to national security—and to urge our foreign partners to do the same. The Strategy will achieve… Show more

The Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime applies all elements of national power to protect citizens and U.S. national security interests from the convergence of 21st century transnational criminal threats. This Strategy is organized around a single unifying principle: to build, balance, and integrate the tools of American power to combat transnational organized crime and related threats to national security—and to urge our foreign partners to do the same. The Strategy will achieve this end-state by pursuing five key policy objectives:

Protect Americans and our partners from the harm, violence, and exploitation of transnational criminal networks.

Help partner countries strengthen governance and transparency, break the corruptive power of transnational criminal networks, and sever state-crime alliances.

Break the economic power of transnational criminal networks and protect strategic markets and the U.S. financial system from TOC penetration and abuse.

Defeat transnational criminal networks that pose the greatest threat to national security by targeting their infrastructures, depriving them of their enabling means, and preventing the criminal facilitation of terrorist activities.

Build international consensus, multilateral cooperation, and public-private partnerships to defeat transnational organized crime. Show less

President George W. Bush's National Strategy To Internationalize Efforts Against Kleptocracy outlined ways for the United States to cooperate with the international community to confront high-level, large-scale corruption by public officials and target the proceeds of their corrupt acts.

Specifically, the National Strategy outlined actions for the United States to work with international partners to: launch a coalition of International Financial Centers committed to deny access and… Show more

President George W. Bush's National Strategy To Internationalize Efforts Against Kleptocracy outlined ways for the United States to cooperate with the international community to confront high-level, large-scale corruption by public officials and target the proceeds of their corrupt acts.

Specifically, the National Strategy outlined actions for the United States to work with international partners to: launch a coalition of International Financial Centers committed to deny access and financial safe haven to kleptocrats (the United States Government will enhance its work with international financial partners, in the public and private sectors, to pinpoint best practices for identifying, tracing, freezing, and recovering assets illicitly acquired through kleptocracy); expand its capacity to investigate and prosecute criminal violations associated with high-level foreign official corruption and related money laundering, as well as to seize the proceeds of such crimes; immobilize kleptocratic foreign public officials using financial and economic sanctions against them and their network of cronies; identify kleptocrats and those who corrupt them, and deny such persons entry and safe haven (Presidential Proclamation 7750); vigorously investigate and prosecute those who pay or promise to pay bribes to public officials, to strengthen multilateral and national disciplines to stop bribery of foreign public officials, and to halt bribery of foreign political parties, party officials, and candidates for office; develop and promote mechanisms that capture and dispose of recovered assets for the benefit of the citizens of countries victimized by high-level public corruption; target technical assistance and focus international attention on building capacity to detect, prosecute, and recover the proceeds of high-level public corruption, while helping build strong systems to promote responsible, accountable, and honest governance; and other actions. Show less