Combating Transnational Crimes in the Era of Globalization

The Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have emerged as one of the biggest threats to sovereignty and economic development of the modern States. With globalization of business, improved connectivity and rapid development of technologies, TCOs have attained global presence. Traditionally, the States are tuned to deal with threats arising out of other State actors. Hence, they were initially not clear as to how non-traditional threats posed by transnational criminal networks should be dealt. Developing military capabilities, effective border patrol, strengthening military intelligence, etc., were then viewed as effective deterrents to the challenges that these non-State actors pose. However, the experience has compelled the States to devise appropriate strategies at regional and global levels to counter the transnational threats. In the background of different initiatives taken at regional and global levels, the article evaluates the initiatives taken by India and the ASEAN countries in combating the threats posed by the TCOs. The article emphasizes on the need to develop a comprehensive approach that looks beyond military solutions and advocates that it is essential to address the genuine problems and concerns of the people, and involve the people in fighting against the TCOs.