Experiments: Publications and Working Papers

The Experiments team is working on a variety of experiments. The following book represents one of the main products that has come out of their work.
Global Shell Games: Experiments in Transnational Relations, Crime and Terrorism
By Michael Findley, Daniel Nielson and Jason C. Sharman
Cambridge University Press
March 2014 - IPD Co-Director Michael Findley released his latest book, Global Shell Games: Experiments in Transnational Relations, Crime and Terrorism, co-authored by Daniel Nielson and Jason C. Sharman. Their book looks at how unidentified shell corporations succeed in moving “dirty” money to finance terrorism, corruption and illegal arms trades. Adopting a unique, experimental methodology, Global Shell Games attempts to unveil the sordid world of anonymous shell corporations. Posing as twenty-one different international consultants (including would-be money launderers, corrupt officials and terrorist financiers), the authors approached nearly 4,000 Corporate Service Providers that create and sell shell companies in over 180 countries to discover just how easy it is to form an untraceable company. Many providers were insensitive to criminal risks and nearly half did not require proper identification to form a shell company, representing a clear threat to international security. Combining rigorous quantitative analysis, qualitative investigation of responses and news reports, this book makes a significant research contribution to compliance with international law and organized crime and terrorism as well as a new approach to the field of political science research.
For more information, visit the book’s website: www.globalshellgames.com
Global Shell Games: Experiments in Transnational Relations, Crime and Terrorism
By Michael Findley, Daniel Nielson and Jason C. Sharman
Cambridge University Press
March 2014 - IPD Co-Director Michael Findley released his latest book, Global Shell Games: Experiments in Transnational Relations, Crime and Terrorism, co-authored by Daniel Nielson and Jason C. Sharman. Their book looks at how unidentified shell corporations succeed in moving “dirty” money to finance terrorism, corruption and illegal arms trades. Adopting a unique, experimental methodology, Global Shell Games attempts to unveil the sordid world of anonymous shell corporations. Posing as twenty-one different international consultants (including would-be money launderers, corrupt officials and terrorist financiers), the authors approached nearly 4,000 Corporate Service Providers that create and sell shell companies in over 180 countries to discover just how easy it is to form an untraceable company. Many providers were insensitive to criminal risks and nearly half did not require proper identification to form a shell company, representing a clear threat to international security. Combining rigorous quantitative analysis, qualitative investigation of responses and news reports, this book makes a significant research contribution to compliance with international law and organized crime and terrorism as well as a new approach to the field of political science research.
For more information, visit the book’s website: www.globalshellgames.com