Mafiacracies Project
Criminal groups have been able to wield economic, social, and even political influence, becoming formidable nonstate actors that states often have to contend with. Yet in certain cases, illicit actors can be co-opted by the state or even embed themselves within the state itself, affecting governance, rule of law, and security. The Mafiacracies Project explores cases around the world where criminal syndicates have apprehended state institutions or have been co-opted by state actors. The project seeks to generate awareness about the implications of illicit actors' proximity to governance and identify pathways that policymakers can take to manage the effects of mafiacracies. Drawing from experts with extensive experience in criminology, rule of law, political economy, and anticorruption efforts, this project generates reports, articles, podcasts, and events offering a comprehensive approach toward mafiacracies around the world.
When Lines Become Blurred
What happens when state institutions and criminal enterprises become intertwined? In some cases, criminal networks do not simply operate alongside the state but capture or merge with it, compromising governance, undermining rule of law, and eroding public security. Understanding how these dynamics develop and persist is essential for policymakers seeking to protect democratic institutions and accountability.
Prevention and Response
How can actors in the international community implement preventative measures against illicit actors’ capture of governance and public security? The project examines both the warning signs of state capture and the policy tools available to counter it, offering policymakers practical guidance on managing and reversing the effects of mafiacracies before they become entrenched.
