This article is founded on the assumption that cluster analysis can be used to complement regressionbased techniques to obtain further improvement in systematic understanding of the nexus of politics, economics, and conflict. It assumes such variables form part of a yet to be understood, non-linear, timedependent interactive system. Cluster analysis is used to classify entities into groups and aims toward explanations based on characteristics cutting across the objects in which they are embedded; thus, the analysis seeks a more compelling account of the complex linkages between and among economic, political, and conflict-related variables. Cross-sectional data for 1967, 1974, 1981, 1988, and 1995 from the Dataset on National Attributes is used in the cluster analysis. The data analysis identifies clusters of states based on a range of characteristics. As expected within a time-dependent system, there is evidence of consistent clustering of countries within and across years, along with evidence of change. Several clusters, such as the advanced states, are very stable and indicate patterns that should be explored further with regression analysis.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to review the many negative implications of crime for tourism in the Caribbean, with particular regard to the economic costs, the loss of long-term investment and the impact of illegal drugs. Design/methodology/approach -The paper provides an analysis in three sections: The first section provides a preliminary discussion on problems of crime and criminal activity in the Caribbean especially as they relate to tourism. The second main part singles out certain areas of concern, namely, economic costs, long-term investment dampening, illicit drugs, gangs, indirect costs, and youth as the primary perpetrators of crime in the region. The final section offers policy considerations towards halting the impact of crime and criminal activity on Caribbean tourism performance. Findings -The paper concludes that Caribbean governments have to do more to protect their most important industry, and recommends a combination of both hard and soft policing measures and educational programs targeting youth, which emphasise the avoidance of criminal behaviour. Practical implications -The paper advocates an integrated approach in order to address the issue of crime in society and also the central questions as to how to punish criminality and how to address its root causes. Originality/value -The paper identifies marketing implications for tourism destinations, especially in relation to the perceptions of a given destination.