This book examines the nature of transnational organized crime and gangs, and how these diverse organizations contribute to violence, especially in so-called fragile states across Central and Latin America. While the nature of organized crime and violence differs depending on the context, the authors explain how and why states plagued by weak institutions tend to foster criminal organizations and violence, and why counter-crime initiatives often result in higher levels of violence. By examining the consequences of tough on crime policies (e.g., mano dura) in places like Mexico, El Salvador, and Colombia, the volume offers a new perspective on the link between state fragility, crime, and violence.
Jonathan D. Rosen is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Holy Family University, USA, and has most recently published The Losing War: Plan Colombia and Beyond.
Hanna Samir Kassab is Teaching Assistant Professor at East Carolina University, USA, and has most recently published Grand Strategies of Weak States and Great Powers.

“To their many books dealing with the causes, characteristics and consequences of instability in the Americas, Jonathan Rosen and Hanna Kassab have added this important statement concerning the baleful play of drugs, gangs and violence upon the region’s social fabric. This fabric has, indeed, been made fragile. It is among the strengths of this volume that it presents the attendant problems of theory and policy in their complexity: from systemic economic dislocations, to the failure of states, the polarization of societies and the strains placed upon too many young people throughout the Americas. With its innovative interrogation of literature across disciplines, the interplay it captures between theory and the very human story it presents, the book is extraordinarily helpful as we seek to make sense of an environment in which acts of violence seem upon us in endless stream.” (Bradford McGuinn, University of Miami, USA)

“This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of thescourge of organized crime that wracks Latin America today. Rosen and Kassab show how the U.S. demand for drugs and Latin America's corruption, poverty, and woeful prisons have led to the explosion of violent crime in the region. Rosen and Kassab are top experts on security in the Americas and their book is thoroughly researched and thoughtfully argued.” (Cynthia McClintock, George Washington University, USA)

“Crime is no longer what it used to be. It’s more international, technological and violent. In a growing number of nations it is also deeply embedded in the state. In this book, Jonathan D. Rosen and Hanna Samir Kassab offer a comprehensive review of the trends that are shaping crime and violence in today’s world.” (Moisés Naím, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA)

Explores how fragile states have difficulty controlling territory and are plagued by weak institutions Seeks to explain how the vicious cycle of state weakness leads to crime and violence Examines the different forms of violence that exist today and contends that many groups use violence for a specific purpose

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