Cultural-Theoretical Perspectives on Italian Organised Crime and Racketeering: Civil Society and Criminal Policy Conclusions for Germany

Abstract

This paper discusses Italian organised crime (IOC) from a cultural-theoretical perspective, focussing on ‘Ndrangheta and Cosa Nostra as well as racketeering in the context of IOC. Among other things, the organisations’ values and norms, the modi operandi and the functions of protection money as well as the societal reactions to the phenomena will be addressed. In addition to the pursuit of profit, the need to exert social influence and implement own value systems on claimed territories are characteristic features of IOC. Extortion of protection money is the preferred instrument to consolidate the clans’ or families’ control over individuals or other social groups. Similar expansion tendencies can be observed in Germany. Italian or Italian-born restaurateurs especially are at risk of victimisation. Relationships within the organisations are also hierarchical, even though they also aim to strengthen internal cohesion. A fluid transition between family and organisational structures can be observed especially within the ‘Ndrangheta. In concluding, the paper presents a cultural-theoretical classification of the phenomena and criminal policies as well as civil society implications for Germany.