Gangs are growing in many different social, economic, and political environments, coupled with an alarming breakdown in public order. Failures to contain or reduce gang crime in metropolitan areas may be symptoms of fundamental problems threatening the fabric of many societies, and the spread of gangs to suburbia is a worldwide threat. The article proposes that theories of gang behavior in immigrant communities and the influence of transnational crime syndicates are better tested in more than one host society. Similar phenomena would be better understood if placed in a comparative context. The book contains chapters by experts on gangs and youth subcultures from many countries, but makes no attempt to impose some universal taxonomy, theory of gang growth or other explanatory framework on their diverse experiences. While the book presents some innovative preventive strategies, it does not attempt a comprehensive examination of gang suppression or prevention strategies. Rather, it suggests policymakers try to understand that, in assessing the role and impact of gangs in varying social and cultural environments, time and place make a difference. References