The Security Information/Latin America & Caribbean section contains online resources regarding crime and security in Latin America and the Caribbean for global business, security, and law enforcement professionals. Note: The section is regularly updated with additional materials.
Disclaimer: The Wellington Global SecurityGuide is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of the information contained on this website. All information on this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or of the results obtained from the use of this information. Any action you take based on the contents of this website is strictly “at your own risk”.
Resources
“Unfulfilled Promises: Latin America Today”. Published by The Dialogue and Edited by Michael Shifter and Bruno Binetti, 2019. This is an excellent overview and review of the current state of Latin America by a variety of regional experts. It is an excellent resource for international security and law enforcement professionals working in the region. Link. Unfulfilled Promises: Latin America
“Crime and Violence: Obstacles to Development in Latin America and Caribbean Cities” by Nathalie Alvarado and Robert Muggah. Published by IDB Cities Network, 2019. This 30-page report contains an excellent analysis of crime and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean and documents how these issues negatively impact their development. Excellent background material for international security and law enforcement personnel working in the region. Link. Crime and Violence: Dev Obstacles in Latin America and Caribbean
“Organized Crime and Violence in Mexico: Analysis Through 2018”, by Laura Y. Calderón, Kimberly Heinle, Octavio Rodríguez Ferreira, and David A. Shirk. Published by Justice in Mexico Program, University of San Diego, 2019. This is an excellent, 71-page study of organized crime and the concomitant violence in Mexico through 2018. It is an excellent resource for international security and law enforcement professionals working in Mexico. Link. Organized Crime in Mexico
“Citizen Security in Latin America: Facts and Figures“ by Robert Muggah and Katherine Aguirre Tobón was published by the Brazilian think tank, Igarape Institute in April 2018. The report provides a detailed examination of violence in Latin America citing statistics from its own studies and those of other agencies such as the United Nations. Link: Citizen-Security-in-Latin-America
“Violent Crime in Latin American Cities”, by Carlos J. Vilalta, José G. Castillo and Juan A. Torres. Published by the Inter-American Development Bank, 2016. This is a detailed, 117-page discussion of violent crime in Latin America. It compares violent crime in specific cities in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile and discusses the similarities and differences. A particularly good resource for international security and police professionals. Link. IDB Violent Crime in LA Cities
“Metodología del ranking (2017) de las 50 ciudades más violentas del mundo” published by the Mexican NGO, Consejo Ciudadano para la Seguridad Publica y Justicia Penal A.C. in Seguridad, Justicia y Paz, 2018. This is an excellent and detailed recent report (in the Spanish language) on violent crime in Latin America. It is an excellent resource for international business and security managers working in Latin America. Link: Seguridad Justicia y Paz 50 ciudades violentas 2017
“2017 Homicide Rates in Latin America and the Caribbean” published by Insight Crime, 2018. This is another excellent report by Insight Crime and a must-read for international business and security managers working in Latin America. This along with the Igarape Institue and Justicia y Paz provide a comprehensive discussion of the problem and the difficulty in obtaining accurate statistical data. Link. 2017 Homicide in Latin America
“Drug Violence in Mexico: Data and Analysis Through 2016“ a Special Report by Kimberly Heinle, Octavio Rodríguez Ferreira, and David A. Shirk. Published by Justice in Mexico, Department of Political Science & International Relations, University of San Diego in March 2017. The report provides a detailed examination of drug violence and related crimes in Mexico through 2016. Link: 2017 DrugViolenceinMexico
“Gang Violence in Colombia, Mexico and El Salvador” by Ana Balcazar Moreno, Ximena Mercedes Galvez Lima, Julie Lambin and Lina Rodriguez. Published by the Geneva Academy, University of Geneva, Switzerland, 12/2017. This is an excellent and concise report on gang violence in Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador. Link: Gang violence in Colombia, Mexico and El Salvador
“Mafia of the Poor: Gang Violence and Extortion in Central America.” Published by the International Crisis Group, 2017. This is an interesting, 41-page, background report on the gang problem in the Northern Triangle of Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador). It provides valuable insight into the problem and the difficulty of finding effective solutions to it. Link. Mafia of the Poor
“Crime and Violence in Central America’s Northern Triangle: How U.S. Policy Responses are Helping, Hurting, and Can be Improved”, edited by Eric L. Olson. Published by Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington, D.C. in 2015. The report provides an examination of the crime and violence occurring throughout the Central American countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala (called the Northern Triangle of Central America). Link: Violence and Crime in Northern Triangle of Central America
“MS13 in the Americas: How the World’s Most Notorious Gang Defies Logic, Resists Destruction” published by InSight Crime and the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, at American University, Washington, D.C., 2017. This is one of the best studies of the MS13 gang and examines its structure and activities from its beginnings to today. A must-read for global business and security professionals working in Central America. Link: MS13-in-the-Americas
“Central American Gangs an Transnational Criminal Organizations: The Changing Relationships in a Time of Turmoil” by Douglas Farah and Pamela Phillips Lum. Published by the International Assessment and Strategy Center, 2013. an interesting report on Central American gangs and their relationships with transnational criminal organizations. Link: Central-American-Gangs-and-Transnational-Criminal-Organizations
“Corruption, Drug Trafficking, and Violence in Mexico” by Stephen D. Morris. Published by the Brown Journal of World Affairs, Spring/Summer Issue, 2012. This is a good overview of the influence of corruption, drug trafficking, and violence in Mexico. It is a useful resource for international business and security managers working in Mexico. Link: Corruption and Violence in Mexico
“Crime and Violence in Jamaica” by Anthony Harriott and Marlyn Jones. Published by the Inter-American Development Bank, 2016. The report examines crime and violence in Jamaica as part of the IDB Series on Crime and Violence in the Caribbean. Link: Crime-and-Violence-in-Jamaica
” Venezuela: A Mafia State: Venezuela has become a hub of organized crime in the region”. Published by Insight Crime, 2017. This is an excellent analysis of the current public security situation in Venezuela. Link. Venezuela-a-Mafia-State
“The Global Risks Report – 2018” published by the Word Economic Forum. This is an alarming report of the perceived risks to world order published by a respected global organization. The risks discussed provide excellent input for the preparation of long-range continuity planning and resilience efforts. Link: WEF 2018 Global Risk Report