CITIZEN SECURITY AND TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME IN THE AMERICAS: CURRENT SITUATION AND CHALLENGES IN THE INTER-AMERICAN ARENA.

The Western Hemisphere, particularly the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, are faced with a serious security problem, which is the primary concern of citizens in the region. There are a range of important factors that contribute to this problem, such as those caused by drug trafficking, drug consumption and debilitated security and judicial institutions. However, within limited times and spaces, there have been positive institutional developments at the national and inter-American (international) levels that are not insignificant. It will be critical to build on these advances in order to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]