Narcoterrorism and Australia: Is a New Theoretical Lens Required?

Abstract

This article seeks to examine the cooperative networks between terrorists and organised criminals and lay a basis for an argument that the use of the threat assessment model, based upon a philosophy of realism, may no longer serve Australia's interests. The narcoterrorist networks that produce, transport and distribute illicit narcotics illustrates a ‘crossover’ between criminality and defence threat, and, potentially, an operational disconnect in a federated country, such as Australia. Local police may not be able to support defence measures to the fullest extent. A liberal philosophical threat assessment model, supported by a target-centric operational orientation, may enable defence and policing to act in unison to protect local and offshore communities that are vulnerable. A widening of the ‘philosophical lens' may integrate operations and intelligence to allow maximum pressure to be brought upon key points.