The mutually-beneficial relationship between terrorist organisations and the criminal underworld is well documented. For several decades, these outlawed groups have crossed paths across the globe. Now, with the fall of the Islamic State – once the richest terrorist organisation in the world – S-RM’s analysis team delve into the latest dynamics of the…
After former FARC commanders denounced Colombia’s historic peace deal and called for the return to armed struggle, militant activity in the country faces a possible resurgence. Lenoy Barkai assesses the drivers and security implications of this latest challenge to Colombia’s peace-building efforts
Amid countrywide power blackouts and subsidy cuts, Argentinians have mobilised against the government’s austerity measures, shutting down commercial operations and public services through mass-demonstrations. Erin Drake explores the growing anti-austerity movement and its potential to devolve into widespread civil unrest.
In this article, we examine three cases from around the world which highlight where and under what conditions police will turn to kidnap for ransom either directly or in cooperation with organised criminal groups.
In the Northern Triangle — comprising Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala — violent extortion is endemic, affecting public and private sectors alike. Erin Drake reviews the drivers of extortion and the threat it poses to companies operating in this region.
In the context of the ongoing political and economic crisis, Timothy Geschwindt examines the consequences of a deteriorating security environment in Venezuela.
In this article, we look at three prominent case studies from different parts of the world to demonstrate the nature and extent of the security risks facing commercial operators in the oil and gas sector.
Indigenous communities affected by environmental degradation have consistently protested companies extracting Peru’s copper, gold and oil resources. Erin Drake explores the commercial impact of such demonstrations on companies operating in Peru’s extractives industry.
Security operations against Colombia’s left-wing ELN militants may have reduced their numbers, but the group continues to bomb oil pipelines and kidnap local and foreign workers. Erin Drake explores the impact of the ELN’s operations on the country’s oil sector.
In 2018, the frequency and impact of cyberextortion and other types of cybercrime increased notably. Not only have the attacks become more frequent, but incidents of cyber-crime have also become more sophisticated, and have impacted a range of important industries, including healthcare, government, financial services and manufacturing.
As key players debate the impact of climate change on the international stage, domestically, governments across the globe are being put to the test in their responses to natural hazards.
The emergence of several high-profile cases in 2018 has raised concerns that abduction by state actors is becoming an increasingly common practice. In this article, we highlight some of the most notable instances of state-sanctioned disappearances in the past year, and provide an insight into what we can expect 2019.