1st Edition

Global Organized Crime A 21st Century Approach

By Mitchel P. Roth Copyright 2017
    568 Pages
    by Routledge

    568 Pages
    by Routledge

    In the maelstrom of globalization and cyberspace, organized crime continues to defy definition. A diverse array of activities is perpetuated by criminal organizations, criminal groups and associations, and gangs, and it is clear that one specific label is no longer adequate. This book offers a uniquely global approach to organized crime and the multitude of forces that shape it in the 21st century.

    As well as discussing definitions of and the historical roots of organized crime, this book examines various forms of organized crime around the world in the US, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Russia and Europe, Asia and Africa. This revised and updated new edition includes coverage of:

    • the rise of the ’Ndrangheta in Italy and their global expansion;
    • the impact of drug legalization on organized crime and the problem of methamphetamine;
    • organ trading, money laundering, and animal poaching;
    • changes in gang traditions and gangland penitentiaries;
    • the decentralization of Mexican cartels, the growth of opium production in Myanmar, and the drug war in Africa; and
    • the advancement of ISIS and the emergence of the Silk Road and the Dark Net.

    This book is essential reading for students engaged in the study of global and transnational organized crime, with features including chapter overviews, key terms, critical thinking questions, and case studies.

    1. Defining and Recognizing Organized Crime

    2. Explaining Criminal Subcultures and Actors

    3. Italian Organized Crime

    4. The Mafia in America

    5. Historical Roots of Organized Crime in America

    6. Vice Prohibition in America: Alcohol, Narcotics, Gambling, and Prostitution

    7. Businesses of Organized Crime

    8. Homegrown Organized Crime: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Prison Gangs, and Urban Street Gangs

    9. Asian Organized Crime

    10. Organized Crime in Russia and Europe

    11. Organized Crime in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean

    12. Organized Crime in Africa

    13. Terrorist Groups and Organized Crime: An Evolving Relationship

    14. Organized Crime in a Hi-Tech World

    15. Investigating and Responding to Organized Crime

    Biography

    Mitchel P. Roth is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University, USA, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Criminology and Sociology.

    "Global Organized Crime offers a comprehensive coverage on both the histories and present developments of criminal enterprises around the world. A gallant attempt at synthesizing complex research literature into accessible materials for instructional purposes. A great resource for instructors everywhere who aspire to elevate their students to higher levels of sophistication in their global awareness of the organized forces that are either parasitic or disruptive to the status quo economic and political systems."  

    Sheldon Zhang, Chair of School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA

    "This book provides readers with a unique historical and international perspective. Mitchel Roth engages the reader from the very first page. This is, by far, the most comprehensive and well-researched scholarly work available on global organized crime."

    Robert Worley, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Lamar University, USA


    "Roth’s book arguably represents the most comprehensive, wide-ranging and ambitious single-authored textbook to attempt to tell the story of organised crime across the globe and it should prove valuable to students and teachers in this field alike."

    Xavier L’Hoiry, University of Sheffield, UK, Policing and Society