Intelligence and intelligence cooperation in combating international crime : selected case studies

Abstract

This study firstly focuses on the response to the post-Cold War era with the shift of the focus of intelligence to terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and transnational organised crime. Intelligence cooperation in respect of international crimes, including mercenary crimes, piracy and war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide is analysed, as well as peacekeeping intelligence. Secondly the focus is on intelligence cooperation in response to the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America, and intelligence failures in respect of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Intelligence cooperation on the national level is analysed with reference to the United Kingdom and the United States of America; on regional level, with reference to the African Union, the European Union and South East Asia; and on international level with reference to INTERPOL and the United Nations. International and regional obligations in respect of intelligence cooperation are described and analysed and both the drivers of intelligence cooperation and the challenges to intelligence cooperation are analysed. Best practices are identified and proposals made to improve intelligence cooperation on the mentioned levels, in combating international crimes, including a high degree of cooperation between crime intelligence and positive intelligence.