When the boundaries blur between terrorism and organised crime

Criminal organisations, such as drug cartels, are increasingly being classified as hybrid organisations. This means they are not only regarded as criminal networks but also as terrorist organisations due to their use of terror tactics. This shift in classification could pave the way for more aggressive countermeasures, according to a new academic article published in the American Yearbook of International Law.

Traditionally, terrorism and organised crime have been defined differently. Terrorism involves violence or threats of violence driven by political or religious motives, while organised crime primarily revolves around economic gain through illegal activities such as drug, arms, and human trafficking.

However, in recent decades, a new perspective has emerged. Instead of viewing these groups as entirely distinct, their overlapping characteristics are now being emphasised.

“The Mexican drug cartels examined in this study meet the UN’s criteria for transnational organised crime. At the same time, they are increasingly using terror tactics, also known as narcoterrorism, which suggests they should instead be classified as hybrid organisations,” says Adriana Ávila-Zúñiga Nordfjeld, Senior Lecturer at the department of Systems Science for Defence and Security at the Swedish Defence University.

New classification enables stronger measures

As a result of this shift, the United States has started classifying some drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, allowing for more forceful measures against them.

“However, conducting military operations against drug cartels on Mexican territory without Mexico’s consent is legally and diplomatically complex,” she says.

The researchers instead propose enhanced international cooperation between Mexico and the United States, modelled on NATO’s partnership frameworks.

“Such a partnership would enable joint operations against drug trafficking and hybrid organisations, while also maintaining diplomatic relations and respecting national sovereignty,” says Adriana Ávila-Zúñiga Nordfjeld.

Research that can shape future strategies

The research contributes to the legal and academic debate on the connection between organised crime and terrorism.

“We hope our findings will lead to a more effective and coordinated strategy in the fight against drug cartels and hybrid organisations,” says Adriana Ávila-Zúñiga Nordfjeld.