Organized Crime And Terrorism

Organized Crimes And Terrorism

Organized crime is a multifaceted criminal syndicate that plans illicit activities and executes them intending to profit from unlawful deals that are publicly demanded (Fijnaut, 2016). The presence of these syndicates is maintained through bribery of public officials, intimidation of law enforcement agencies, and the use of force to protect their operations. Throughout history, organized crime has evolved into complex networks involved in various illegal activities that pose significant threats to national security and economic stability.

The history of organized crime in the United States highlights the emergence of notorious criminal syndicates such as the Italian-American Mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra. This organization comprises five major Mafia families—the Bonanno, Lucchese, Colombo, Genovese, and Gambino families—all primarily operating within New York City (Poppi et al., 2018). Leadership figures such as Mathew Madonna of the Lucchese family and Joseph Cammarano Jr of Bonanno exemplify the centralized hierarchy within these groups. The overarching leadership, historically led by figures like Mateo Dinallo, exerts influence over various criminal enterprises, including rivalries with groups like Stidda, Unione Corse, and Camorra (FBI, 2020).

Contemporary organized crime syndicates in the US engage in a broad spectrum of illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the illegal trade of cultural artifacts and properties (Beittel, 2020). They also engage in counterfeiting, money laundering, wildlife smuggling, firearms trafficking, cyber-crimes, and illegal gambling. Drug trafficking remains a significant concern, with cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and Arellano Félix Organization playing prominent roles. Joaquin Guzmán, known as "El Chapo," was a leading figure in the Sinaloa Cartel before being captured and sentenced to life imprisonment (Beittel, 2020).

The technological advancements of the 21st century have further facilitated the growth of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). Cyber-enabled crimes such as phishing, internet fraud, and social engineering are increasingly prevalent, often utilizing offshore servers and the dark web to conceal their operations (Roibu, 2015). These activities threaten global security and economic stability, relying on digital platforms to expand their reach beyond traditional geographical boundaries.

Threats Posed by Organized Crimes

Organized crimes pose significant threats to the United States on multiple fronts. Their influence circulates through corruption, weakening institutional autonomy as criminal groups bribe officials and manipulate political processes (Paoli, 2014). Economically, they distort and exploit legitimate markets, adversely affecting businesses and potentially threatening global financial stability (Roibu, 2015). These groups serve as major sources of funding for terrorist activities, complicating national security efforts.

One of the gravest consequences of organized crime is its role in expanding the illegal drug trade. The proliferation of substances such as cocaine, heroin, and synthetic opioids exerts devastating impacts on the US population, notably contributing to the rising overdose mortality rates. The CDC reported that in 2019, approximately 70% of drug overdose deaths involved opioids, reflecting the scale of the crisis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The violence associated with drug trafficking—homicides, gang conflicts, and intimidation—further destabilizes communities and law enforcement operations (FBI, 2020).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Organized crimes continue to threaten the stability and security of the United States, impacting economic development, public health, and safety. The illicit activities interfere with legitimate commerce, inflate consumer costs, and place enormous burdens on healthcare and justice systems. To counter these threats, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and DEA must enhance their operational capabilities—through increased funding, advanced technological tools, and the cultivation of a patriotism-driven workforce. Strengthening international cooperation, especially with countries heavily involved in narcotics and smuggling routes, is crucial for disrupting transnational criminal networks.

Terrorism

Terrorism is defined as the planned use of violence aimed at instilling fear within a population to communicate specific messages (Schlegelmilch et al., 2017). Acts of terrorism are carried out by various actors—including organized criminal groups, political factions, religious extremists, and state institutions such as military and intelligence services—to achieve their ideological, political, or religious objectives (Schlegelmilch et al., 2017). These acts are often characterized by deliberate violence targeting large gatherings, employing methods like hostage-taking, hijackings, bombings, shootings, and suicide attacks (Schlegelmilch et al., 2017).

The history of terrorism in the US dates back to 1978 with the Unabomber, who conducted bombings that killed three and injured 23 over a span of years (Chaliand & Blin, 2016). Major incidents include the Oklahoma City bombing (1995), the September 11 attacks (2001), the Boston Marathon bombing (2013), and the Orlando nightclub shooting (2016), among others. These attacks inflicted heavy casualties and engendered widespread fear, prompting significant shifts in domestic security policies and counter-terrorism measures (Chaliand & Blin, 2016).

Funding for terrorist activities often originates from transnational sources, including extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and Taliban factions, which operate across many regions and have ideological motivations aligned with religious extremism (Mullins, 2015). These groups exploit global networks, including criminal enterprises involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime, to finance their operations (Mullins, 2015).

Impact of Terrorism and Strategic Responses

The impacts of terrorism on the US are profound, affecting economic stability, public safety, and national morale. The financial costs of security enhancements, emergency response, and recovery efforts are substantial, diverting resources from other critical sectors. Psychological trauma inflicted on victims and communities is long-lasting, with fears of future attacks persisting even after the incidents (Albanese, 2014).

Counter-terrorism strategies must be comprehensive and globally coordinated. This involves intelligence sharing among nations, interdiction of terrorist financing, disruption of recruitment channels, and controlling borders more effectively. Special emphasis should be placed on engaging Muslim-majority countries that serve as incubators for extremist ideologies, aiming to cut off safe havens and supply routes (Albanese, 2014). Increased international cooperation, coupled with domestic intelligence and law enforcement efforts, forms the backbone of effective terrorism prevention.

Conclusion and Recommendations for Counter-Terrorism

To mitigate the threat of terrorism, the US government should adopt a multi-layered approach that includes community engagement, technological innovation, and international collaboration. Enhanced surveillance, intelligence analysis, and targeted operations can curtail terrorist plots before they materialize. Additionally, addressing the socio-economic factors that foster radicalization, such as poverty and marginalization, can reduce recruitment pools (Schlegelmilch et al., 2017). Building stronger partnerships with allied nations and supporting deradicalization programs are critical components of sustainable counter-terrorism efforts.

References

• Albanese, J. S. (2014). Organized crime: From the mob to transnational organized crime. Routledge.
• Beittel, J. S. (2020, July 28). Mexico: Organized Crime and Drug. Congressional Research Service.
• Chaliand, G., & Blin, A. (2016). The history of terrorism: From antiquity to ISIS. University of California Press.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Drug overdose deaths. CDC.
• Fijnaut, C. (2014). Searching for organized crime in history. In The Oxford handbook of organized crime, 53-95.
• Fijnaut, C. (2016). Organized crime: A comparison between the United States of America and Western Europe. In The containment of organised crime and terrorism. Brill Nijhoff.
• FBI. (2020, July 10). Transnational Organized Crime. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Mullins, S. J. (2015). 'Home-grown' Jihad: Understanding Islamist Terrorism in the US and UK. World Scientific.
• Paoli, L. (Ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of organized crime. Oxford Handbooks.
• Poppi, F. I. M., Travaglino, G. A., & Di Piazza, S. (2018). Talis pater, talis filius: The role of discursive strategies, thematic narratives, and ideology in Cosa Nostra. Critical Discourse Studies, 15(5), 599-614.