Transnational organized crime is a growing cancer, and a threat to the security of North America . . . as well as to the entire world! What was once the dominion of countries and regions separated by geography is increasingly a concern to the Department of State and for the U.S. military. Transgressing the laws of multiple nations, these criminal activities have a negative impact on society, the global economy, and greatly impede the progress of developing nations and governments. Unfortunately, many of the nations affected lack the resources or the political will to provide an adequate level of security and countermeasures that matches the threat to its security and its borders. The criminal activities, such as drug, human, and gun trafficking, are often overshadowed by terrorism, even though all are crucial national security threats. In this book, Dr. Céspedes enables the reader to appreciate the full range and potentially catastrophic nature of this threat, as he carefully analyzes the state of world affairs through a variety of perspectives. This work reveals the dangers and horrors of modern transnational crime; a menace which challenges the modern hierarchies and methods of response. Representing a multitude of viewpoints and ideas, the final message of this book unequivocally shows the real and existential crisis transnational crime presents to the contemporary world, and helps to piece together the construction of pragmatic and workable policies to counter such a menace. This is a must read for anyone interested in national security issues!
Dr. Juan R. Céspedes is a veteran educator, lecturer, and author of "Collapse of the Soviet Empire", "Victory Over Terrorism: the Unthinkable Solution", "War Interminable: The Origins, Causes, Practices and Effects of International Conflict" and many other books. Born in Havana, Cuba, he fled with his family from the Castro-communist dictatorship, and became an advocate for individual freedom, human dignity and democratic government. He has shared his thoughts and research about history, politics, economics, and international relations with a wide audience. Dr. Céspedes has traveled widely, studied, and reported extensively on major topics such as the nature of totalitarian regimes, the Cold War, the causes of wars, and the history of terrorism. Dr. Céspedes began his career studying industrial practices, economics and labor relations at Florida International University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Industrial Technology. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Gifted Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership from Barry University. He is currently an adjunct professor of 20th century history and contemporary issues at Florida International University, a founding member of the Board of Advisors of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship Studies, History Instructor for the International Baccalaureate program at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization, and an American College Board Advanced Placement Fellows. He believes that a 21st century history education needs a comprehensive view where the learner becomes an analyst conscious of social, economic, cultural, political and other human conditions. For Dr. Céspedes, historical analysis does not imply revisionism with preconceived ideas of what "should have been," nor assumptions made from a modern-day perspective. His extensive and detailed work not only endows us with a historical documentation of human triumph and accomplishment, but also makes us aware of our failures, cruelty, and sometimes our inhumanity toward each other. Dr. Céspedes believes that "A true understanding of history is the basis for appreciating the human condition and grappling with the moral issues facing a democratic society today."
