Criminal syndicates and safety matters in Latin America
In a region where organized crime and its role in corruption and violence have long been a fixture of the political, social, and economic landscape, a new initiative offers a glimmer of hope. The Alliance for Security, Justice, and Development was launched in December 2024, spearheaded by the Inter-American Development Bank and joined by 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The participating countries include Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay. The alliance aims to protect vulnerable populations, strengthen security and justice institutions, and reduce illicit markets and financial flows.
The alliance also counts on the support of 11 organisations, including the Organization of American States, Interpol, the World Bank, and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. These organisations will work together to enhance governance capabilities, coordinate security responses, eliminate ungoverned areas, and ensure judicial independence to effectively investigate corruption and prosecute criminals.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Some leaders in the region advocate for more pragmatic approaches to combat organized crime, such as intelligence-led policing, police and judicial reforms, community-based prevention programs, and social investment in marginalized neighborhoods.
The most optimistic scenario is that a regional effort will prove effective in addressing the complex issues of organized crime. However, it seems like a tall order for a region that is notoriously poor at integration and cooperation.
On the other hand, there is a second possibility: organized crime continues to spread, leading to increased violence and deteriorating security, due to the underlying drivers of criminality, the transnational nature of organized crime, and a lack of regional coordination.
Regardless of the outcome, the Alliance for Security, Justice, and Development marks a significant step forward in the region's ongoing struggle against organized crime. The initiative serves as a testament to the collective will of the participating countries to work towards a safer and more secure future for all.
It is important to note that the views expressed in this article do not represent the views of or endorsement by the United States Naval Academy, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or the United States government.
