Challenges and Benefits of Globalised Crime

This page explores the challenges posed by globalised crime and the potential benefits of international cooperation in combating these issues.

Challenges in addressing globalised crime include:

1. Transnational Nature: Crimes crossing multiple jurisdictions.
2. Differing Laws: Variations in legal systems across countries.
3. Cultural Differences: Diverse cultural contexts affecting crime perception and response.
4. Legislation Delays: Laws struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving criminal activities.

Highlight: The transnational nature of globalised crime makes it particularly challenging for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders effectively.

Benefits of globalisation in combating crime:

1. Greater International Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration between nations.
2. Increased Awareness: Improved understanding of global criminal issues.
3. Development of International Agreements: Such as extradition treaties.
4. Creation of International Law Enforcement Agencies: Europol and Interpol.

Example: The establishment of Europol and Interpol has facilitated better information sharing and coordination among law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Evaluation points:

• Many of these crimes are not new, but have been amplified by globalisation.
• Investigating global crimes remains challenging due to jurisdictional issues.
• There is a heavy reliance on secondary sources for information.
• Some argue that the significance of globalisation in crime is exaggerated, as most crimes remain local and low-level.

Green Crime: Environmental Impact of Globalisation

This page focuses on green crime, a significant aspect of globalisation and crime sociology A level studies. It explores various definitions and perspectives on environmental crimes in the context of globalisation.

Definitions of Green Crime:

1. Traditional Green Crime:

Quote: Situ and Emmons (2000) define environmental crime as "an unauthorised act or omission that violates law."

2. Global Risk Perspective: Beck (1992) introduces the concept of "manufactured risks," arguing that environmental crimes result from technological and industrial advancements.

Highlight: Beck's "Global Risk Society" theory posits that most threats to human well-being and ecosystems are now human-made rather than natural disasters.

3. Transgressive Green Crime:

Quote: Rob White (2008) defines it as "any action that harms the physical environment and any creatures that live within it, even if no law has technically been broken."

Green Criminology:

This field studies environmental harms, including those not technically illegal, such as pollution leading to global warming. It presents a contrast to traditional criminology:

• Traditional Criminology: Focuses on clearly defined law-breaking patterns and causes.
• Green Criminology: Expands the scope to include harmful environmental actions, even if not illegal.

Example: The 2010 event in Mozambique illustrates the complex interplay of global environmental and economic factors. A heatwave in Russia led to crop shortages, causing a worldwide grain price explosion that affected food security in Africa.

The eco-centric approach in green criminology emphasizes that damage to the environment affects all species and puts the human race at future risk.

Cybercrime in the Era of Globalisation

This page focuses on cybercrime, a rapidly evolving form of criminal activity that has flourished in the age of globalisation. Understanding cybercrime is crucial for students studying globalisation and crime sociology A level.

Cybercrime Overview:

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using computers and the internet. Wall (2001) categorizes cybercrime into four main types:

1. Cyber Violence:

   • Cyberbullying
   • Hate sites
   • Terrorism sites

2. Cyber Deceptions and Theft:

   • Phishing
   • Illegal downloads
   • Identity theft
   • Online hacking

3. Pornography:

   • Child pornography
   • Illegal categories of pornography

4. Trespassing:

   • Hacking
   • Sending viruses
   • Unauthorized system access

Highlight: The global nature of the internet makes cybercrime particularly challenging to investigate and prosecute, as perpetrators and victims may be located in different countries.

Impact of Globalisation on Cybercrime:

1. Increased connectivity: More potential targets and wider reach for cybercriminals
2. Anonymity: Easier for criminals to hide their identities and locations
3. Rapid technological advancements: New opportunities for criminal activities
4. Jurisdictional challenges: Difficulties in applying national laws to international cybercrimes

Example: The Bernie Madoff case, involving $65 billion stolen through money laundering and fraud, demonstrates how financial crimes have been amplified by globalisation and technology.

Responding to Cybercrime:

1. International cooperation: Enhanced collaboration between law enforcement agencies
2. Cybersecurity measures: Improved technologies to protect individuals and organizations
3. Legal frameworks: Development of international laws and agreements to address cybercrime
4. Public awareness: Education initiatives to help individuals protect themselves online

Vocabulary: "Phishing" refers to the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information.

Understanding cybercrime is essential for comprehending the impact of globalisation on crime aqa a level, as it represents a significant shift in criminal activities facilitated by technological advancements and global interconnectedness.