Tackling Transnational Organised Crime: approaches and impacts

A broad range of approaches and intervention strategies in different countries and contexts have been applied to tackle the spread of Transnational Organised Crime (TOC). To understand these better, this policy paper identifies six, inter-related and overlapping theories of change that guide the majority of programmes focused on TOC. A series of core assumptions under each are identified, and assumptions underpinning them are discussed. Challenges and dilemmas associated with measuring progress against each are outlined, and examples of possible indicators that could be used to assess progress are presented.

The paper is intended as a resource for development practitioners responsible for the management of existing or new programmes aimed at tackling the destabilising impacts of TOC on development objectives, including security and justice objectives. It also aims to inform policy makers working on broader organisational approaches to addressing TOC as a driver of conflict, including cross-government approaches and inter-governmental development, security and rule of law strategies and initiatives.

The paper was developed by Saferworld and the Clingendael Conflict Research Unit as a “practice product” for the Conflict, Crime and Violence Results Initiative. Although the research was financially supported by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the paper solely reflects the authors’ views.