Abstract
This book introduces students to the challenges related to international crime and punishment and the ways that criminal justice systems have sought to confront them. The dismantling and opening up of borders by technology, transportation, international trade, and the global flow of labor and capital have allowed those engaging in criminal behavior to work across borders in ways that challenge the traditional nation-state and its criminal justice system, making the study of international crime and justice increasingly relevant. This book not only covers the nuts and bolts of international crime and law enforcement but also raises abstract, theoretical issues for debate and asks critical questions about the ideal ways to think about international criminal justice problems. Contemporary topics such as war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, terrorism, drug smuggling, human trafficking, financial crimes, environmental crimes, and cybercrime are addressed, and connections between globalization, politics, and criminal justice reflect the modern realities of international and transnational crime.
Following an introductory chapter that presents the dimensions of international criminal justice, the text is organized into two major parts, the first part discussing major international crimes and why people engage in them, and the second part laying out the central structures of the international criminal justice system, including international courts, transnational law enforcement, and aspects of United States criminal justice developed to deal with international crimes. Throughout the book, the authors place global crime within the context of contemporary politics and current events. Pedagogical tools such as summaries of significant international cases, discussion questions, and a thorough bibliography aid reader engagement and understanding.
This text is suitable for students in global criminology, international crime, and comparative criminology courses, and researchers and policy-makers concerned with international and transnational crime.