What is one consequence of transnational organized crime?

Transnational organized crime poses a significant challenge to governance and stability in multiple nations, primarily by undermining state authority and the rule of law. When criminal organizations operate across borders, they often do so outside the legal frameworks established by sovereign states. This can lead to diminished public trust in government institutions as illegal activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms dealing flourish in regions where law enforcement is either corrupted or overwhelmed.

As these organizations gain power, they can influence political structures, either by corrupting officials or instilling fear, which further weakens the state's ability to enforce laws and protect its citizens. This erosion of authority can destabilize not just individual nations but also regional security, as criminal networks exploit the gaps left by ineffective governance. In essence, transnational organized crime poses a direct threat to the functionality and sovereignty of states, highlighting the serious implications it has on the rule of law.