Illicit networks targeting the nexus between terrorists, proliferators, and narcotraffickers
Authors
Dietz, Rebekah K.
Subjects
Illicit
Networks
Terrorism
Proliferation
Narcotics
Jemaah Islamiyah
A.Q. Khan
MedellĆn cartel
Pablo Escobar
Social Network Analysis
Globalization
Nuclear Weapons
Trafficking
Uranium Enrichment
Dual-Use
Networks
Terrorism
Proliferation
Narcotics
Jemaah Islamiyah
A.Q. Khan
MedellĆn cartel
Pablo Escobar
Social Network Analysis
Globalization
Nuclear Weapons
Trafficking
Uranium Enrichment
Dual-Use
Advisors
Davis, Zachary S.
Date of Issue
2010-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Globalization and the liberal international marketplace have provided fertile ground for the rise of transnational and non-state actors. Unfortunately, while states and businesses have profited from the increased fluidity of borders and the rise of global commerce, so have the criminal organizations that threaten national and international security. These illicit networks are stateless; they conduct their business in failed or failing states, under the guise of legitimate commerce, and without regard to sovereign borders or even human life. They are the main facilitators of proliferation, terrorism, and narcotics around the world--undeterred and, perhaps, undeterrable. This thesis offers a comparative analysis of three main types of illicit networks: terrorist, proliferation and narcotics networks. Using Jemaah Islamiyah, the A.Q. Khan proliferation network, and the MedelliĆ n drug 'cartel' as case studies, it examines their typologies, motivations, structures, characteristics, and sources and patterns of funding. It examines if and how illicit networks overlap, with special attention to intra-network (e.g., terrorist networks with other terrorist networks) and inter-network (e.g., terrorist networks with narcotics networks) overlap. It then explores how this information can inform U.S. counter-network activity.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Security Studies
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
xiv, 119 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.