Browsing by Author "Gaustadsæther, Ida Wæhle"
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- ItemA critical analysis of the relationship between the State and wildlife crime. Case: Rhino poaching in South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Gaustadsæther, Ida Wæhle; Lambrechts, Derica; Fourie, Pieter; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Abstract South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to wildlife crime. Regardless of the increased focus on combating wildlife crime and curbing demand, poaching numbers continue to rise in South Africa. In order to understand why this crime is so difficult to tackle, there is a need not only to examine the sophisticated methods of wildlife crime groups but also the environment in which this practice breeds. Reviewing the literature on transnational organised crime reveals significant factors about what kinds of climates are specifically favourable for the operations of criminal syndicates. The study then will explore which of these elements can be identified in South Africa and whether this can provide more insight into the challenges that South Africa is facing regarding the poaching crisis. The study argues that internal factors such as weak institutions, unemployment and poverty, among other things, are the driving factors behind sustaining wildlife crime in South Africa, but acknowledges that several external challenges impede anti-poaching efforts and successes. This study analyses what enables wildlife crime to operate in South Africa using International Relations and Transnational Organised Crime theory as the theoretical foundation. The field is not very well explored within traditional IR theory. Hence, this study attempts to demonstrate the relevance of wildlife crime to IR as it is transnational by nature and poses challenges to the international system as a whole. It further argues that IR scholars should embrace and acknowledge phenomena such as wildlife crime, the increased significance of criminal networks and their impact on nature, people, states and power structures.