Artikelen

Cocaine 'Cartels' and Colombian Mafiosi? Social Organization and Impact of Drug Entrepreneurs in Colombia

Auteurs

  • Zaitch,Damián

Trefwoorden:

Colombia, Cocaine, Entrepreneurship, Drug trafficking, Business society relationship, Organized crime, Social disorganization, Corruption

Samenvatting

The illegal nature of the cocaine business implies particular relationships between these entrepreneurs and the Colombian society and institutions. Analyzed here is how this relationship is built, identifying sources of the social legitimation of illegal entrepreneurs. A comparison with the Italian mafia shows that territorial control is secondary for Colombian cocaine groups, and they also differ in terms of historical, organizational and relational aspects. What is the social and political impact for Colombia, as these groups enter in collusion with the state or with guerrilla and paramilitary groups? Through explaining how the business itself contributes to the amplification of other forms of violence and constructs new social bonds and alliances, illustrated is how the existence of the illegal business in Colombia has contributed to further state delegitimation, increased corruption and impunity, reinforced individual models of success "at any cost," deteriorated international relations and internal armed conflicts, and increased human rights violations. 1 Graph, 55 References. Adapted from the source document.

Biografie auteur

Zaitch,Damián

Gepubliceerd

1999-02-01

Nummer

Sectie

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