Youth crime has been rising rapidly in these nations and appears to be closely related to their rapid socioeconomic development. This development has five components: industrialization, urbanization, social development, social defense, and citizens' behavior patterns. Research efforts should rest on several methodologies. Research topics that should receive priority are the causes of drug crimes and effective treatment for addicts; socioeconomic development and youth crime, especially the relationship between poverty and youth crime; and the effectiveness of existing juvenile justice systems, particularly diversion, probation, and the role of volunteer probation officers. International organizations should have an active role in research activities and in the training of researchers. 18 reference notes.