Objectives of international cooperation are to ensure that transnational criminal organizations encounter high risks in countries where they conduct business; that legitimate industries resist infiltration and takeover by transnational organized crime; that governments, the commercial sector, and the criminal justice system resist corruption and violence by transnational criminal organizations; and that activities of transnational criminal organizations are gradually circumscribed and ultimately eliminated. Relative merits of bilateral and multilateral approaches to achieving an environment that will be hostile to transnational organized crime are explored. Possible elements of a new international instrument against transnational organized crime are detailed, including both general principles and specific provisions. The concern of the international community about the impact of transnational organized crime on national economies, international relations, stability, security, and peace is discussed. 19 notes