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The political economy of organized crime: providing protection when the state does not

Author

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  • Stergios Skaperdas

Abstract

Organized crime emerges out of the power vaccuum that is created by the absence of state enforcement, and which can have many sources: geographic, social, and ethnic distance, prohibition, or simply collapse of state institutions. Mafias and gangs are hierarchically organized and can be thought of as providing primitive state functions, with economic costs that are typically much higher than those associated with modern governance. Though organized crime cannot be completely eradicated, its control is necessary, since it can easily corrupt existing institutions of governance. Some thoughts on what can be done to control organized crime are offered. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2001

Suggested Citation

  • Stergios Skaperdas, 2001. "The political economy of organized crime: providing protection when the state does not," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 2(3), pages 173-202, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ecogov:v:2:y:2001:i:3:p:173-202
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    Keywords

    Key words: anarchy; conflict; JEL classification: H1; K0; L8;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H1 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • K0 - Law and Economics - - General
    • L8 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services

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