Abstract This paper explains that one of the reasons that the Mafia developed in New Orleans because the city was an early center of Sicilian immigration. The author points out the cultural conditions that favored the rise of the Mafia and subsequent developments. The paper includes theories of the New Orleans' Mafia's role in the Kennedy assassination.
From the Paper "In popular imagination, the Mafia is primarily associated with the large cities of the Northeast and industrial Midwest particularly New York City and Chicago. These cities, especially New York, experienced the greatest influx of immigrants."
Abstract The Mafia and the Yakuza are frequently confused in the language of organized crime. This confusion is in large part due to the Westernized context through which these two organizations are perceived; the general familiarity with the Mafia as represented in both the development of Western culture and in fiction strongly implies that all forms of organized crime follow the model represented through the Mafia. This is not the case, and this paper demonstrates that there are significant differences between these organizations.
This paper examines the four nation coalition, made up of Britain, U.S. France and Israel, and the mafia-like tactics used against the Arabs by these countries that resulted in the 9/11 terror attacks.
Abstract The writer of this paper asserts that the increased demand for oil in the West escalated the mafia-like tactics from Britain, Israel, U.S. and France which resulted in reprisal from Arab nations that culminated in the 9/11 terror attacks. This paper details historic incidents over the last 100 years, from the four nation coalition, that brought about mistreatment and prejudices towards Islamic nations in the Middle East. This paper also delves into the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis. This paper contains two illustrative graphs that back the writer's claims. Topics covered in this report include: Introduction The Creation of the BUFI Mafia Loan Sharking Using Violence or Threats of Violence to Bully and Steal The Ability to Murder and Get Away With it An Unwillingness to Compete Without Monopoly-like Tactics Options Terrorist Responses Sayyid Qutb Escalation of Oil Consumption/Terrorist Activities 1968-2001 War on Terror Conclusion Sources Cited
From the Paper "Arab countries like Egypt, Iran and Iraq were on the receiving end of loans from the British Government with dire consequence for each. In the late 1800's Egypt had borrowed millions from both Britain and France, and, unable to pay it back, was transformed into a mandate of both Britain and France. Known as the Public Debt Commission, representatives from Britain and France took over Egypt's finances, and when King Isma'il tried to oust them, he himself was ousted and replaced with someone more friendly to this takeover. This helped Britain gain control of the Suez Canal, one of the most important waterways in the Middle East. Both Iran and Iraq sold Britain oil concessions in order to help stabilize their economies."
Abstract This paper discusses how there are few organizations and arguably no criminal syndicates that have captured the imagination of the general public the way the Italian Mafia has. The paper explores the sociology of this notorious criminal organization by looking briefly at its history, its peculiar organizational structure, its even more peculiar culture, and some of the key layers who made the Mafia an endless source of interest and intrigue for millions the world over.
From the Paper " In the final analysis, the most striking thing about the Mob is how it applied (and continues to apply) a ruthless brutality to what was and is, in many respects, a sophisticated and highly modernized structure. With that in mind, it is to a discussion of this important topic that we now turn. "
Abstract This paper focuses on the major developments in decisions of the Mafia concerning crime, such as marketing alcohol during Prohibition, and the advancement into drug trafficking and gambling in the 1970s and 1980s.
This is a comparative paper between the Russian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza and includes the topics of how each is organized, the methods used, and their respective histories.
Abstract This paper discusses the many similarities and few differences between the Russian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza. Specifically, the paper looks at how each is organized, the methods each employs, and the respective histories of each organization. In so doing, the paper ultimately argues that the chief differences between the two organizations are twofold: the Russian Mafia, for historical and cultural reasons, is even more powerful than its Japanese counterpart because of its close ties to the Russian state, and the Russian Mafia is even more brutal in its methods than the Yakuza - or most anyone else. In the final analysis, Robert I. Friedman and other close observers are not wrong to view the "Red Mafiya" with trepidation and dread.
Outline:
Introduction
How the Japanese Yakuza is Organized
How the Russian Mafia is Organized
The Methods Employed by the Japanese Yakuza
The Methods Employed by the Russian Mafia History of the Japanese Yakuza
History of the Russian Mafia Conclusion
From the Paper "The Russian Mafia has been around at least as long as its Yakuza counterpart. James O. Finckenauer writes that stealing the Czar's timber was not considered criminal during much of modern Russian history and professional criminals in the early years of the twentieth century conspired with Marxist political revolutionaries to overthrow first the Czar and then the short-lived revolutionary government that followed. While it is not clear, it appears as though the modern-day Russian Mafia was shaped by the exigencies of the Soviet-era Communist economy - an economy that often failed to provide adequately for its citizens. As a result, a 'shadow' economy sprang up, and it was one in which a criminal entrepreneurial class able to operate outside the law found the perfect climate in which to flourish."
Tags: organized crime, methods history culture brutality observations
Abstract This paper examines the role of the Italian mafia as a business like any other, and its long history in the United States. The author discuses how the mafia's illegal and legal enterprises help propel our capitalist society, and how their ties with major labor unions enable them to dominate major industries. The paper also looks at how the Italian mafia works with other ethnic crime organizations, such as the Russian mafia, and Colombian drug cartels.
From the Paper "The mafia is a loose term in our country, as we as Americans are fascinated by the mysteriousness of it. Movies, books, plays, and now even a television series have been made depicting different real life stories regarding the mafia. The television show The Sopranos gives a great rendition about life in New Jersey as a mobster. This show allows viewers to see both sides of the story when thinking about gangsters. One is able to see their ruthless side in some situations, and then also the way they conduct business. Much of the business they conduct is with people who know what situation they are in, and are willing to accept the terms, based on a mutual agreement. In recent years, there have been several cases where a mafia member would go against their former family in order to lighten their jail sentence, breaking their code of conduct known as Omerta. The United States is a capitalist and free market society. The mafia helps in the expansion and existence of this capitalist society by their influences in legal and illegal businesses, with the help of political parties and leaders that are best placed to help them."
Abstract This paper studies how the Russian mafia has established itself in Israel over the past decade. The paper discusses the arrival of the mafia alongside one million immigrants to Israel from the Former Soviet Union. The paper then examines the major inroads the mafia has made in dominator sectors of Israel's economy. The paper concludes with evidence that the mafia is now poised to gain political clout, particularly in local governments. underestimated. Either way, people have cause for concern.
Outline
Introduction
History and Influence
Summary
From the Paper "Police are concerned that the Russian Mafia is seeking to infiltrate the government through Israel's primaries system. It takes a lot of money to be elected in the primaries, which leaves the door open for organized-crime figures who have a lot of cash to pass around, police sources say. And yet, the sources add, despite the accusations of cynics, the checks and balances of the country's democratic system make it difficult to infiltrate the government. This is likely to turn the Mafia towards municipal government."
Abstract A review of the mafia, its creation and development. The author defines what the Mafia is, where it was first formed and its purpose. Using this as a springboard, he then looks at the different ways in which the Mafia has changed over the years.
From the Paper "The Mafia is a secret criminal organization that wields great economic and political control over large segments of Sicilian society and operates both criminal and legitimate enterprises in the united states. It has been defined as ?a secret union of people of every type and status who give reciprocal help without regard to laws or morals but maybe the best definition was given by Mario Puzo (of The Godfather fame) who described it as "a business like any other with the difference that every so often they shoot each other". The Mafia first developed in Sicily in feudal times to protect the estates of absentee landlords. By the 19th century, it had become a network of criminal bands that dominated the Sicilian countryside."
Abstract In terms of women's issues, the Mafia is most frequently associated with prostitution and, more recently, the global sex trade. The domestic lives of Mafia couples, their respective roles and attitudes, is also a legitimate aspect of women's studies of the Mafia. Employing biographies, newspaper reports and women's studies research this paper assesses matrimony, domesticity and gender amongst "La Cosa Nostra".
Abstract This paper explains some of the similarities and differences between the Russian Mafia and the Columbian Cartels. It looks at the way that modern technology has seen organized crime groups entering and operating in the 21st century with vigor. It particularly looks at the similarities and differences between the two mafia groups with regards to structure, business and punishment.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
The Columbian Cartels and the Russian Mafia - An Analysis
Structure
Business
Murder and Punishment
From the Paper "While some similarities between the Russian Mafia and the Columbian Cartels are evident, the differences between the operations and group ethics are stark. As technology continues to advance, Organized Crime groups such as the Russian Mafia and the Columbian Cartels will continue to prey on the innocent and exploit the vulnerable and weak. Knowing how these groups operate is an obvious advantage to citizens and law enforcement alike. For groups such as the Mafia families, traditional operations with the slow infiltration of technology, law enforcement have a frame of reference for the investigation and apprehension of mafia members. However, for the Columbian Cartels, infiltration and inside knowledge of how these groups operate is proving much more difficult and so to be the apprehension of Cartel members."
Abstract This paper examines how the Mafia is alive and well today and how it has its roots in many developing American cities, although some believe its origins are in Italy. In particular, it looks at how Chicago has always been a major hub for this group and how, since organized crime is involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities, it is still a major problem in America today. It discusses how, more and more, law enforcement appears to be less intimidated by these groups and how several mobsters have been tried and convicted for their crimes. The focus is on the approximately sixty-year period where crime families ruled Chicago, even though the Mafia's existence seems to have endured for decades before and since the period and location discussed.
Outline
Introduction
The Existence of Organized Crime
Early History of Organized Crime in Chicago
Prohibition
Analysis of Organized Crime Causes and Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper "Some people question whether or not organized crime exists; yet, the existence of these groups is well documented and almost common knowledge. The speculation that the mafia is a myth and gangs, with their intricate organizations, do not really exist is most likely perpetuated by denials of the mob figures themselves. Sociologists study organized crime today and its existence is widespread. It exists all over the world. Today, the mob exists all over the United States as well as in other countries. The question is not whether or not the mob exists, but rather what are its causes and how did these groups surface in the first place?"
Abstract This paper examines organized crime in the United States, which has been a product of social culture, ruthless ambition, and political corruption. The leaders of the most notable organized crime syndicate, the Mafia, gained power and influence through a combination of Sicilian cultural values, ruthless control over their followers, and bribery of judges and politicians. The paper shows that, relying upon these three fundamental elements of organized crime, enabled them to legitimize their leadership in the eyes of Sicilian and Italian immigrants, sustain their control over their Mafia families and avoid arrest by the authorities.
Abstract This paper discusses the illegal and legal business activities that organized crime/Mafia partakes in. It includes bookmaking, loansharking, gambling, and stock fraud. It gives historic examples of each business, as well as recent events.
From the Paper "Organized crime has been involved in business ventures both legitimate and illegal since the very beginning. In the early days they were involved in prohibition; selling liquor illegally and running speak easys. However time has evolved and prohibition ended. Nowadays the members of OC are into things like bookmaking, loan sharking, gambling, stock frauds, sex and much more. Though certain laws have been put in place to help control these activities, such as RICO, they still exist throughout the syndicates."
Abstract In this paper, the writer compares and contrasts the operation of the New York Mafia and the Chicago Outfit. The writer discusses the structure, sphere of influence, sophistication, successes and failures of these two organizations.
From the Paper "According to an article in Kirkus Reviews in the book "American Mafia: A History of Its Rise to Power" by Thomas Reppetto, organized crime is not the sophisticated, well-organized, well-disciplined, centrally controlled entity, it is reported to be. Reppetto suggests that the America mafia is less well organized than outsiders think. For example, rather than being a centrally controlled operation managed by the heads of the major crime families, it is in reality a loose confederation of geographic fiefdoms ... "
Tags: Compare and contrast, mafia, organized crime, mob, syndicte, New York, Chicago, sphere of influence, sophistication, successes and failures
