Russia is beset with a vast network of criminal organizations that grew out of the earlier black market economy. The Russian Mafia, whose combined membership exceeds 100,000, has spread into other parts of the world, including the United States. Russian authorities have been unable to deal with it and the trafficking of nuclear materials seems a logical extension of other criminal activity of large proportions. The threats I have described, along with additional problems ranging from drugs to information warfare call for more flexible military capabilities and timely intelligence. Our interests and our equities are increasingly transnational and our citizens will be increasingly in harms way.
History is replete with conflicts that spread from incidents in unlikely places.
We cannot be the world's policeman but we must find the means to work with friendly states to anticipate and control the forces which, unchecked, could wipe away the progress toward peace and stability that has been achieved at great cost.