Publication Date
5-4-2026
School
Helms School of Government
Major
International Relations
Keywords
transnational crime, hybrid threats, great power competition, U.S.-China-Russia relations, triangular model, asymmetric warfare, neoclassical realism, multipolarity, strategic culture, weaponized crime, proxy forces, illicit networks, Sino-Russian alignment, national security strategy, hybrid warfare
Disciplines
Asian Studies | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Defense and Security Studies | Global Studies | International Relations | Models and Methods | Other Political Science | Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies
Recommended Citation
Haak, Michael J., "The Weaponization of Transnational Crime: A Triangular Analytical Model for Hybrid Threat Development in U.S.–China–Russia Relations, 2000–2025" (2026). Senior Honors Theses. 1603.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1603
Abstract
This thesis examines the evolving strategic relationship between the United States, China, and Russia from 2000 to 2025 through a triangular model based on reactions to systemic pressures to core strategic interests. The study employs a thematic qualitative data analysis on U.S., Chinese, and Russian national security strategies to analyze strategic posturing between poles over time. This new model serves as the study’s basis for contextualizing hybrid threat development, specifically transnational crime as a proxy force of asymmetric power projection. The study found that the evolution of state-supported transnational crime serves as a by-product of reactions to systemic pressure. State actors have weaponized transnational crime towards their strategic interests, creating a cause-and-effect of foreign policy action with America’s strategic rivals.
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Defense and Security Studies Commons, Global Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Models and Methods Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies Commons
