UN: Southeast Asia’s Economic Success Has Led to Crime, Terrorism

transnational – adj. operating in or involving more than one country

merchandise – adj. describing goods that are bought and sold

legitimate – adj. real, accepted or official

GDP – n. Gross Domestic Product -- the total value of the goods and services produced by the people of a nation during a year not including the value of income earned in foreign countries

undermine – v. to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective, usually in a secret or gradual way

counter – v. to do something in defense or in response to something

strategy – n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time

allow – v. to make it possible for something to happen