Review: R. Evan Ellis, Transnational Organized Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean: From Evolving Threats and Responses to Integrated, Adaptive Solutions (Lexington Books)

Transnational Organized Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean sets forth an overview and introduction to the topic.  As the author mentions, the challenge of transnational organized crime and associated public insecurity has evolved beyond what can be readily solved by repressive measures or actions against the leadership of criminal groups alone. The solution requires addressing a host of interrelated challenges in a coordinated fashion, going beyond attacking criminal organizations and their leaderships, but also strengthening the economic, social, and governmental institutions of the host societies whose weakness and corruption create an environment in which criminality can spread.