We are living in a changing world. We have no choice but to understand and adapt to these changes. The greatest threat to peace and prosperity is no longer inter-state war. It comes from organized non-state actors who resort to violence, crime and terror to achieve their ends. The UN Security Council has recently recognized the serious threat posed to security by drug trafficking.
Political conflicts open opportunities for criminal organizations.
Criminal proceeds fuel adventurist political ambitions. State sponsorship of terrorism has been largely replaced by criminal sponsorship, funded by the proceeds of trafficking and organized crime. Criminal groups draw in individuals who may have served in government or who may still be serving. They are needed for their privileged knowledge and for their connections. Expressed another way, they are needed to subvert the democratic process and the rule of law.