8.3 Globalisation and Crime

2026 Syllabus Objectives

  1. Reasons for the emergence of global crimes, such as human trafficking, corporate crime and crimes against the environment.
  2. Explanations of who benefits from global crime, including Marxist and feminist perspectives.
  3. Policing and prosecuting global crime, including the benefits and challenges resulting from globalisation and new technology.

Understanding Globalisation and Crime

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Globalisation refers to social, political and economic activities that are no longer attached to specific countries but are transnational and stretched across the globe. The local and the global are increasingly interconnected, creating new opportunities and challenges for crime.

Key Aspects of Globalisation Linked to Crime 🌍

  • Neo-liberal economic policies – fewer government controls on business and trade
  • Growing global inequalities – widening gaps between rich and poor nations
  • New communications technology – internet, mobile networks, encrypted communications
  • Spread of consumerism – global desire for goods and services

Reasons for the Emergence of Global Crime

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The Growth of Global Crimes

Globalisation has led to the expansion of transnational criminal activities that cross national borders and involve multiple jurisdictions. These crimes are facilitated by reduced border controls, advanced technology, and economic disparities.

Major types of global crimes include:

  • Illegal trade in weapons and nuclear materials – trafficking of arms to conflict zones
  • Illegal drugs trade – worth approximately $322 billion in 2007
  • Human trafficking – forced movement of people for exploitation
  • Money laundering – concealing illegally obtained funds
  • Cybercrime – criminal activities conducted through digital networks

'Glocal' Crime 📌

Modern crimes at the local level often have global links, described as 'glocal'. This concept emphasizes how global and local criminal activities are interconnected.

Example: A drug deal in a British city can involve cocaine originating in Colombia and shipped via West Africa, illustrating the 'glocal' nature of modern crime.

Global Criminal Networks

Global crime is controlled by both established and emerging criminal organizations:

Established mafias:

  • American-Italian mafia
  • Japanese yakuza
  • Chinese triads

Newer groups:

  • Eastern European criminal networks

McMafia 🏢

Misha Glenny (2009) coined the term 'McMafia' to describe global criminal networks that behave similarly to legal Transnational Corporations (TNCs). These organizations are increasingly deterritorialized – less tied to specific countries and collaborating globally for profit.

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