Ideas worth spreading

The intricate economics of terrorism

775,310 views | Loretta Napoleoni • TEDGlobal 2009

Loretta Napoleoni details her rare opportunity to talk to the secretive Italian Red Brigades -- an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in terrorism. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at its complex economics, revealing a surprising connection between money laundering and the US Patriot Act.

Loretta Napoleoni details her rare opportunity to talk to the secretive Italian Red Brigades -- an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in terrorism. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at its complex economics, revealing a surprising connection between money laundering and the US Patriot Act.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Loretta Napoleoni

See speaker profile

She made her name following the dollars in terrorist networks, but now Loretta Napoleoni is on the trail of something far more sinister -- the gray zone where crime and unregulated credit meet.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.