Globalization, the Information Society and New Crimes : the Challenge for the XXI Century / Mondialisation, société de l’information et crimes nouveaux : le défi du 21ème siècle

This paper examines in depth the current phenomenon of globalization and its trends; its impact, positive or negative which is the cornerstone of the current restructuring of the global economy; the nature and consequences of the globalization of trade and financial services; the operations and impact of the multinationals; and the hierarchy of countries based on their relative importance in the global economy, and its consequences. The paper then distinguishes between real and virtual globalization and its impact on economic growth; its inclusive and exclusive dynamics and their consequences for individual and corporate economic actors. The paper then addresses the information society, a phenomenon that accompanies and significantly facilitates globalization through drastic and significant improvements in communications and transport. The Internet and electronic devices used for massive surveillance, the collection of personal information, and the systematic erosion of privacy - the Internet as Panopticon – are also examined.Finally, the paper analyzes the vulnerability of the global information society to crime, especially economic and identity theft crimes, ironically facilitated especially by its global and inter-connected nature. Even the global improvement in the financial conditions of most people worldwide, creating more wealth and economic well being, has negative, and at times criminal, repercussions, impacting especially indigenous or vulnerable populations, fauna and flora. Most illustrative examples of these criminal trends are trafficking in people, endangered species, animal organs and products, antiquities, art and various types of counterfeiting. In conclusion there is a clear and close connection between globalization, the information society, criminal behavior and a society’s ability to effectively protect itself from piracy and the violations of a country’s laws and treaties.Ce document examine en profondeur le phénomène actuel de la mondialisation et de ses tendances, son impact, positif ou négatif qui est la pierre angulaire de la restructuration actuelle de l'économie mondiale; la nature et les conséquences de la mondialisation des services commerciaux et financiers; les opérations et l'impact des multinationales; et la hiérarchie des pays en fonction de leur importance relative dans l'économie mondiale et ses conséquences. Le document distingue ensuite entre la mondialisation réelle et virtuelle et son impact sur la croissance économique; ses dynamiques inclusives et exclusives et leurs conséquences pour les acteurs économiques, s