The most destructive force in the Americas today is not El Nino but the criminal enterprises that recognise no geographic, legal or moral boundaries. This book exposes the main characteristsics and effects of criminal enterprises in the Americas and considers realistic strategies for combating them. Looking at how crime penetrates private business, government, and the every day lives of the people, this collection examines the impact of criminal enterprises on the legitimate ecomony and the ability of states to promote the rule of law. It compares criminal enterprises in the Amnerica's with other regions, and considers the foreign policy concerns of the US. With a recent upsurge in the scope, sophistication and co-operation among groups, this book should be a useful tool for understanding one of the greatest challenges to security, peace and democracy in the Americas.

The most destructive force in the Americas today is not El NiNo-it is the criminal enterprises that recognize no geographic, legal or moral boundaries. This book exposes the main characteristics and effects of criminal enterprises in the Americas and considers realistic strategies for combating them. Looking at how crime penetrates private business, government, and the everyday lives of the people, this collection examines the impact of criminal enterprises on the legitimate economy and the ability of states to promote the rule of law. It compares criminal enterprises in the Americas with other regions, and considers the foreign policy concerns of the US. With a recent upsurge in the scope, sophistication and cooperation among groups, this book is essential tool for understanding one of the greatest challenges to security, peace and democracy in the Americas.