Transnational Networks and New Security Threats

In: Cambridge review of international affairs, Band 18, Heft 1, S. 7-13

Abstract

An introduction to a special section on, "Transnational Networks & New Security Threats," points out the importance of addressing the impact on security of transnational political networks (those that attempt to directly or indirectly influence governmental policies/practices). Transnational networks are described as "a series of nodes that are connected through links of communication &/or exchange of resources." The advantages & disadvantages of networks for political actors are explored, along with their increasing use for criminal purposes; efforts of global government networks to combat the threat of criminal transnational networks; & various kinds of public-private networking. It is noted that new security threats from transnational networks include terrorism, cybercrime, political insurgency, & trafficking in both drugs/people. The three essays are part of a larger research project funded by the Airey Neave Foundation of London. They examine how networks affect the state as a locus of power/authority in the international system by showing how they both generate new security threats that challenge state authority & enhance the ability of states to improve security governance. 24 References. J. Lindroth