This innovative book investigates the paradoxical situation whereby organized crime groups, authoritarian in nature and anti-democratic in practice, perform at their best in democratic countries. It uses examples from the United States, Japan, Russia, South America, France, Italy and the European Union.

ContentsOrganized crime: a challenge to Democracy?Part I: Definitions and Diatribes1. Why is organised crime so successful Fabio Armao2. Mafia and anti-Mafia, the implications for everyday life Renate Siebert3. Transnational organized crime between myth and reality: the social construction of a threat Monica MassariPart II: 'The 'Weakest' Link: The State Under Siege4. Organized Crime, business and the state in post-communist Russia Sergei Plekhanov5. Drug trafficking and the state: the case of colombia Sayaka Fukumi6. Transnational organised crime, security and the European Union Wyn ReesPart III: Civil Society Held to Ransom7. 'Once upon a time in America': organized crime and civil society Robert J. Kelly and Rufus Schatzberg8. Civil resistance: society fights back... Ercole Giap Parini9. For Christ's Sake: organised crime and religion Alessandra DinoPart IV: Organized Crime and Politics10. Democracy and the gangs: the case of Marseilles Paola Monzini11. Organized crime, politics and the judiciary in post-war Italy Jean-Louis Briquet12. Mediated democracy: Yakuza and Japanese political leadership Eiko Maruko13. Conclusion: organized crime and Democracy: 'uncivil' or 'civil' society? Felia Allum and Renate Siebert