Habitus Conflicts and Transcultural Cooperation: Understanding Transnational Organized Crime and Law Enforcement between the EU and China

• In Event: Cross-Cultural Studies on Crime and Criminal Justice

Abstract

This study explores the complex dynamics of law enforcement cooperation against transnational organized crime (TOC) between EU countries and China, emphasizing the role of habitus conflicts in these interactions. Drawing on Bourdieu's concept of habitus as a mediating link between social structures and individual actions, this study investigates how cultural differences and operational conflicts affect collaborative efforts in combating TOC. Through twenty-one (21) interviews with law enforcement officials in China, France, and Germany, along with the analysis of key legislative and official documents, this research highlights the challenges and possibilities for cross-cultural cooperation. It argues that despite some limited success achieved through bilateral and multilateral dialogues, fundamental hurdles have been posed by differing definitions of TOC, cultural barriers, and law enforcement practices. Habitus conflicts, arising from the deep-seated cultural and structural disparities between Europe and China, present a significant obstacle. The European Union and China's divergent political ideologies, geopolitical ambitions, and visions for global justice persistently challenge their collaborative efforts in policing and law enforcement. These fundamental discrepancies are anticipated to continue, further entangling their attempts at achieving seamless cooperation in police work.

Author

• Hongming Cheng, University of Saskatchewan