Transnational Criminology: Trafficking and Global Criminal Markets

This pioneering study develops a social theory of transnational criminal markets by examining key trafficking crimes, including human trafficking, drug dealing, and black markets in wildlife, diamonds, guns, and antiquities. It offers an in-depth analysis of structural similarities and differences within illicit trade networks and explores the economic underpinnings that drive global trafficking, revealing how traffickers view their illegal enterprises as 'just business.'

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2020
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This groundbreaking study explores a wide range of key trafficking crimes to develop a comprehensive social theory of transnational criminal markets. These include human trafficking, drug dealing, and black markets in wildlife, diamonds, guns, and antiquities. The author delves into an in-depth analysis of the structural similarities and differences within illicit trade networks, while also examining the economic factors that drive global trafficking. By revealing how traffickers view their illegal enterprises as mere business ventures, the author offers valuable insights into the ways forward in understanding criminality in this rapidly evolving field.

Introduction:
The study of transnational criminal markets has gained increasing attention in recent years, as the global nature of crime has become more apparent. Trafficking in human beings, drugs, and wildlife, among other illicit goods, is a major concern for governments and international organizations alike. This pioneering study aims to develop a social theory of transnational criminal markets that can help us better understand the factors that drive these crimes and the strategies used by traffickers.

Key Trafficking Crimes:
The study encompasses a wide range of key trafficking crimes, including human trafficking, drug dealing, and black markets in wildlife, diamonds, guns, and antiquities. Each of these crimes has its unique characteristics and challenges, but they all share certain structural similarities. For example, all trafficking crimes involve the exploitation of vulnerable individuals or groups, often through coercion or deception. They also require complex networks of actors, including smugglers, brokers, and financiers, who work together to facilitate the movement of goods and people across borders.

Structural Similarities and Differences:
One of the key findings of the study is that there are structural similarities and differences within illicit trade networks. While there are commonalities in the ways in which traffickers operate, there are also distinct differences depending on the type of crime, the geographic location, and the economic context. For example, human trafficking is often characterized by the use of force and coercion, while drug dealing is more often characterized by the use of violence and the threat of violence. Black markets in wildlife, diamonds, and guns, on the other hand, are often driven by economic incentives and the desire for profit.

Economic Underpinnings:
The economic underpinnings of transnational criminal markets are also a significant focus of the study. Traffickers are motivated by the pursuit of profit, and they use a variety of strategies to maximize their returns. These strategies include the use of corruption, bribery, and the exploitation of weak governance structures to evade law enforcement and regulatory measures. The study also examines the role of financial institutions and the global financial system in facilitating transnational criminal activity.

Traffickers' Perspective:
One of the most interesting aspects of the study is the author's exploration of the traffickers' perspective. The author draws on interviews with traffickers and other key stakeholders to gain insight into the mindsets and motivations of traffickers. The author argues that traffickers view their illegal enterprises as mere business ventures, and they are motivated by the pursuit of profit and the desire to maintain power and control.

Lessons for Understanding Criminality:
The study offers valuable lessons for understanding criminality in this emerging field. One of the key lessons is that trafficking crimes are not solely driven by economic factors, but also by social and cultural factors. Traffickers are often drawn to areas where there is a lack of governance and law enforcement, and they exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals and communities to facilitate their crimes. Another lesson is that the response to trafficking crimes must be comprehensive and multi-faceted. This includes efforts to address the root causes of trafficking, such as poverty and inequality, as well as efforts to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory measures.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this pioneering study provides a comprehensive analysis of key trafficking crimes and the social theory of transnational criminal markets. The study highlights the structural similarities and differences within illicit trade networks, while also examining the economic underpinnings that drive global trafficking. By revealing how traffickers think of their illegal enterprises as mere business ventures, the author offers valuable insights into the ways forward in understanding criminality in this emerging field. The study's findings have important implications for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations, as they work to address the challenges of trafficking in human beings, drugs, and wildlife.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529203783