This course will examine various aspects of crime and corruption in post‐communist Europe, a region which has witnessed an explosion of transnational crime since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  Its focus will be on Russian, Italian, and East European organized crime groups, their activities and enterprises, and U.S., EU, and UN efforts to combat them. Topics will include: drug, cigarette, and organ trafficking; human trafficking; money laundering; small arms and fissile materials dealing; stolen art; stolen automobiles; political corruption; and terrorism.  The impact of today’s Russia as well as the Bosnian War of 1991–1995 and the Kosovo War of 1999 will also be key themes.

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or higher, or permission of instructor.