The Threat of Convergence of Terror Groups with Transnational Criminal Organizations in Order to Utilize Existing Smuggling Routes and Techniques to Aid in the Covert Entry of Operatives into the United States

Abstract

Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) have profited from the smuggling of contraband into the United States since its existence. Terror groups have explicitly stated their intent to target the citizens, infrastructure, and economy of the United States. This thesis examined the major TCOs operating across the borders of the United States and the capabilities they possess and utilize. This thesis also examined terror groups that have proclaimed a desire to attack the homeland. As a methodology to analyze the likelihood of terror groups converging with TCOs to exploit existing smuggling infrastructure to enter operatives into the United States, a purposive survey was delivered to a group of subject matter experts in the areas of counter-terrorism, border security, and disruption of TCOs. The majority of these subject matter experts agreed that terror groups will converge with TCOs to enter the United States.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 12, 2015
Accession Number
ADA624059

Entities

People

  • John R. Modlin

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antiterrorism
  • Border Security
  • Counterterrorism
  • Criminals
  • Department Of State
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Employment
  • Homeland Security
  • Human Population
  • Information Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.