Mafia: A Global History

Presented as a global sweep, the narrative moves across centuries and places—from Sicily and Marseille to New York, Colombia, and Tokyo—anchoring big ideas in concrete contexts and profiles of iconic figures. It blends biography, social history, and case studies to show how industrialisation, globalisation, and technological change gave rise to and reshaped criminal networks.

The writing guides readers through origins, consolidation, and transformation without losing nuance, inviting reflection on the uneasy intersection of crime, business, and state power. It translates complex history into accessible analysis that informs how we understand power, governance, and corruption today.

• Global historical arc tracing the rise of organised crime from early banditry to modern networks
• Profiles of legendary figures and the cultural landscapes that birthed them
• Analysis of how industrialisation, globalisation, and technology shaped criminal power
• Case studies anchored in real places: Sicily, Marseille, New York, Colombia, Tokyo
• Clear, evidence-based narrative that connects history to contemporary issues

This reading provides a nuanced framework for understanding how clandestine networks have influenced politics, economy, and culture. By tracing roots and transformations, it builds reader confidence to analyze current events with greater discernment, leaving a lasting impression of the hidden forces shaping our modern world.