Exploitation of Free Markets and Globalization to Finance Terrorists
Abstract
The international community has taken measures to monitor financial networks through anti-money laundering acts, which since 9/11 have expanded to cover terrorist financing. However, the strides made to date in some parts of the world have been limited and gaps still exist that terrorist organizations can infiltrate to thwart the international community's efforts. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of current international counter-terrorist financing efforts and how terrorists exploit them. The project consisted of three case studies. Colombia is the primary case, while Peru and Great Britain are secondary cases. Through these case studies, the author identifies how terrorist organizations are taking advantage of systems of financial globalization and free markets in these countries to finance their activities. The four elements studied in each country are its economy, financial markets and banking system, auditing and internal monitoring system, and international cooperation to combat terrorist financing. In Colombia, the study focuses on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), and how the Colombian government and financial institutions have responded to them. In Peru, the focus of the examination is Sendero Luminoso, and in Great Britain, it is the Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA488832
Entities
People
- Claudia P. Pena-guzman
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School