Multilateral responses to transnational organized crime and conflict

Transnational organized crime and associated illicit activities are a major driver of conflict and violence worldwide, and can pose a particular problem in conflict-affected and fragile states. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the growing threat posed by organized criminal groups and their role in destabilizing societies and threatening global security. His call for a “New Agenda for Peace” underscores the need for robust multilateral strategies to counter this.

This policy report takes stock of past multilateral efforts to counter transnational organized crime, drawing on case studies of these dynamics in the Central African Republic and Mali (later 2024), as well as consultations with other global experts and research on these dynamics in conflict-affected and fragile states. It considers future directions for a more coordinated and effective response, including better alignment and coordination of resources within peace operations, sanctions regimes, and mediation strategies; as well as strengthening monitoring and watchdog efforts; and better accountability for these and other political-economic issues within peacebuilding and prevention.

Access “Global Policy Considerations: Creating a More Coherent and Effective Multilateral Response to Transnational Organized Crime” here.

Watch this space for further case studies and research in this area.