Money Laundering & National Security: The Financial Crime that Empowers Organized Criminal Groups, Undermines Economies, Erodes Financial Systems, and Debilitates Political Systems

• In Event: Roundtable: Money Laundering, National Security, and HIgher Education

Abstract

Money laundering is a serious, if rarely recognized, threat to states’ sovereignty and security. This criminal activity undermines political, financial, and economic systems around the globe, while empowering traditional organized criminal groups, terrorists, narcoterrorists, and insurgents. Despite the increasing severity of the problems caused by money laundering, very few governments have adequately addressed the serious and growing threat caused by money laundering activities. This article will examine global money laundering activities from a strategic perspective and explain why effectively addressing—or failing to address—money laundering activities will have a significant effect on national interests and national security in all jurisdictions where money laundering occurs.

Author

• Lesley Rockwell, University of Texas at El Paso