Evolution of the State-Crime Nexus: Presenting Geocriminality

The state-crime nexus has evolved. This article presents the concept of geocriminality, a novel form of state-crime collaboration distinct from previous configurations in its scale, depth and breadth. It explores the existing discourse on the state’s instrumentalisation of crime, ultimately focusing on hybrid interference and clandestine diplomacy as means to understand the phenomenon. From this perspective, the article explains and evidences how through a combination of globalisation and changing geopolitical conditions, state instrumentalisation of criminal elements has developed into geocriminality. Discussing examples focusing predominantly on China and Russia, the article distinguishes between ‘episodic’ and ‘systemic’ geocriminality. Finally, responding to a degree of uptake in some security and law enforcement circles, the author considers how further research might contest and refine the concept of geocriminality.