Long encouraged by the International Association for the Study of Organized Crime, the current research on this broad and intriguing topic is systematically brought together in this exemplary reader. Understanding Organized Crime presents a rich collection of articles by outstanding researchers in the field who examine empirical research examples, salient issues and their explication, and provide a theoretical foundation to serve as a guide into further explorations. Skilfully edited, this accessible and timely volume focuses on areas and trends such as: the nature of organized crime; theoretical perspectives; organized crime in Russia, Eastern Europe and Hong Kong, with predictions for the next century; the diversity of activities and structures; and how the law enforcement community responds to organized crime.

SECTION ONECommentary Selected ReadingsThe Functions and Structure of Criminal Syndicates - Donald Ray Cressey Excerptes from the President¿s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice Task Force Report: Organized CrimeDonald Cressey¿s Contribution to the Study of Organized Crime - Joseph L Albini An EvaluationThe Evil that Men Do - Charles H Rogovin and Frederick T MartensSECTION TWOCommentary Selected ReadingsTrapped in the Folds of Discourse - Robert J Kelly Theorizing about the UnderworldBureaucracy and the Mafia - Mark H Haller An Alternative ViewSECTION THREECommentary Selected ReadingsThe Mafia and The Devil - Joseph L Albini What They Have in CommonMafia Memoirs - Thomas A Firestone What They Tell Us about Organized CrimePART FOURCommentary Selected ReadingThe Social Organization of Organized Crime in Chicago - Robert M LombardoAsian Gangs and Asian Organized Crime in Chicago - Robert DavidsonBandit Banks - Maurice Punch Financial Services and Organized CrimeInternational Organized Crime - David L Carter Emerging Trends in Entrepreneurial CrimeSECTION FIVECommentary Selected ReadingsRussian Organized Crime - Joseph L Albini et al Its History, Structure and FunctionPrimitive Capitalist Accumulation - Robert J Kelly, Rufus Schatzberg and Patrick J Ryan Russia as a RacketRussiäs Great Criminal Revolution - J Michael Waller and Victor J Yasmann The Role of the Security ServicesSECTION SIXCommentary Selected ReadingsOrganized Crime in the Royal Colony of Hong Kong - James J McKenna, JrHong Kong after 1997 - John Dombrink and John Song Transnational Organized Crime in a Shrinking WorldThe Evolution and Future Direction of Southeast Asian Criminal Organizations - Ken Sanz and Ira Silverman