Transnational Crime and National Security (CRIM294)

Criminal networks extend across the globe and crimes like drug trafficking, kidnapping, human trafficking, human slavery, counterfeit goods, goods smuggling, piracy, cyber-attacks, the stolen art trade, the trading of exotic animals, and other criminal activities have the potential to have far reaching consequences. National security, too, has emerged in recent decades as an important focus for governments worldwide after the end of the Cold War.

Although complementary to traditional criminal justice approaches and covering much of the same issues, national security addresses such issues with a focus upon disruption rather than prosecution. As such there can be conflict between the two approaches which can manifest itself between agencies and within functional areas of single agencies.

This unit will provide you with a broad understanding of crime and its control in a global and transnational context and national security within the Australian context. You will explore the role and functions of intelligence agencies and contemporary issues within the national security domain. This includes threats both human focused (terrorism and foreign interference) and non-human focused (climate change and pandemics).