Center for Complex Operations - Illicit Networks Conference (1/9) скачать в хорошем качестве

Center for Complex Operations - Illicit Networks Conference (1/9)

National Defense University, in partnership with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Global Futures Forum, on 8-9 February the Center for Complex Operations hosted a workshop on "Illicit Networks in an Age of Globalization." Over 140 representatives from the US government, partner governments, academia, and the private sector participated. Keynote addresses by Dr. Moisés Naím and Dr. Thomas Barnett highlighted the complexity of illicit trafficking and offered a way ahead for improving a more internationally coordinated response. Dr. Barnett argued that the lack of a global middle class has, in some cases, forced individuals to make their living in the illicit economy, a means often deeply embedded in a society's economic and political system. He went on to add that less technologically advanced societies are often plagued by instability and have fewer regulatory structures, which provide opportunities for illicit networks to operate. According to Dr. Barnett's premise, as these societies advance and grow in connectivity to the global market place, illicit networks will decline. While most participants agreed that illicit networks are largely immune to borders, quick to adapt, and able to exploit weaknesses in international counter-network policy, some panelists took issue with Dr. Barnett's assertion that greater connectivity would lead to a reduction in illicit trafficking. Dr. Naím stressed that even the most advanced and connected members of the international community have a limited understanding of these networks, which limits their ability to disrupt and stop their expansion inside their own borders. Both Under Secretary Beers and Dr. Naím argued that disrupting illicit networks must become a government priority, with greater support from the public and Congress. Under Secretary Beers emphasized that senior government officials must bring discipline to the bureaucracy, understand the tools and organizations available for the mission, and ensure coordination between individuals developing policy and those who implement policy. On the second day of the workshop, breakout groups built on panel discussions and keynote addresses and identified core research questions critical to understanding and mitigating the expanding criminal threat. These research questions will be used as the framework for a future publication. In sum, the key to disrupting illicit networks is first understanding how they operate and the environments and societies in which they operate. Secondly, the response community must possess an acute understanding of the different aspects and motivations of the actors involved in a particular network. Only then will the US and the international community's response be able to attack the networks and increase the capacity of weak states.