The relentless rise of the mafia

Ryan Gingeras's book examines the rise, evolution, and globalisation of mafia-style organised crime across the twentieth century, comparing groups such as the Sicilian Mafia, Yakuza, triads and camorra. It situates these organisations within wider historical contexts—war, migration, political upheaval—and explores how they adapted to and shaped modern economies and states. Gingeras analyses key moments like post‑World War II reconstruction, the drug trade, and cultural influences such as The Godfather to explain mafias' endurance and transformation. The book blends archival research, case studies, and cultural history to show mafias' roles in politics, commerce, and social life around the world. It argues that mafias are integral to understanding modern history, not merely criminal phenomena.

Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia. The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership. Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family. The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives.