Gangs and Transnational Criminals Threaten Central American Stability

Abstract : The recent expansion of gangs and transnational crime poses a significant threat to Central American stability. Central American nations generally lack the infrastructure to capture and prosecute these gang members; therefore, they continue to breed instability within the region and have exported their criminal activity in remarkable fashion. This Central American instability negatively impacts U.S. national security interests abroad and is detrimental to U.S. domestic security. This paper will explore and research the depth of this problem and its impacts on U.S. national security. It will also provide critical analysis and recommend courses of action for U.S. policy options, to include a key element for success: regional cooperation to interdict the expansion of Central American gangs and transnational criminal organizations in concert with our Central American neighbors.