The Perry Center’s webinar series about the impacts of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean continued with English and Spanish sessions on May 5 and 7 about the pandemic’s effects on organized crime in the region. Perry Center Director LTG (Ret.) Frederick Rudesheim opened the May 5 session, remarking that the world is in uncharted territory and that while we wait to return to a “new normal,” we should think about the effects of the crisis on international security and the criminal landscape. Are global security threats higher, lower, or the same due to COVID-19?

Professor Celina Realuyo and Perry Center alumna Dr. Carolina Sampó from Argentina were the featured speakers for both sessions. Each shared their perspectives on how COVID-19 is shaping and influencing organized criminal groups and illicit markets. Their presentations highlighted the multifaceted impact the pandemic has had, not just on organized crime and security, but on public health, economic prosperity, and democracy