The Crime-Terror-Insurgency nexus in the framework of the multilateral response

This paper aims at replying to the following research questions: - does the crime-terror nexus represent a threat to the current global security agenda and which one? - does the presence of insurgent groups represent a third ‘component’ in exacerbating the nexus and, if so, which is its impact? - which features are currently shaping the state of response on a global level? Which actors are more relevant in shaping cooperation? What is the role of the EU? It is divided into three parts. First, the crime-terror nexus is reconceptualised in order to understand the level of implications it poses both to the regional and global level. Then, it is analysed against additional threats, represented by insurgency, armed conflicts and weak and failed States. The investigation is based and sustained on some empirical data (provided by UNODC, UCDP/PRIO and the Global Terrorism Database). Second, the current set of strategies and approaches are explored through the lenses of the multilateralism theories. The analysis focuses here on the roles played by the US and European States. In the last part, the security strategy developed by the European Union is stressed. Some conclusions on the nexus perception within the political agendas at the global level – as well as future perspectives – are exposed at the end.