Pivot to the Homeland - An Escalated Maritime Interdictions Approach Towards Combating Transnational Criminal Networks in the Western Hemisphere

Abstract

The brutal violence and terrorism nexus of Transnational Organized Criminal (TOC) Networks, specifically Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs), decreases stability throughout the Americas and poses a present and growing danger to U.S. national security. Advances in submersible smuggling technology coupled with the proliferation of safe havens within the Americas are a direct threat to the homeland. As the world s premier maritime power, the U.S. must strengthen resolve and investment to counter narco-terrorist networks where most vulnerable in the maritime. This thesis argues the need for an escalated maritime interdictions approach against DTOs in the Western Hemisphere examining the limited success over the past four decades, current monetary and social costs to the U.S., and outlines the potential benefits of an increased maritime interdictions approach. This thesis asserts that U.S. National Fleet resources could be better leveraged to increase apprehensions of narco-terrorists at sea.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 03, 2015
Accession Number
ADA622638

Entities

People

  • David W. Ramassini

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central America
  • Coast Guard
  • Counterterrorism
  • Criminals
  • Department Of State
  • Drug Abuse
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • Marine Transportation
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Security/Maritime Homeland Security
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies