Organized Crime: Russian Mafia vs. Italian Mafia

Organized crime has woven itself into the fabric of societies worldwide, with two of the most formidable entities being the Russian Mafia and the Italian Mafia. Distinct in their origins and motivations, these criminal organizations have left an indelible mark on the landscapes of their respective nations.

The Russian Mafia's genesis can be traced back to the tumultuous political and economic changes following the collapse of the USSR. The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the subsequent wave of privatization provided fertile ground for the growth of organized crime.

Seizing the opportunities presented by a chaotic transition, the Russian Mafia emerged as a powerful force, navigating the intricacies of a new economic order.

Conversely, the Italian Mafia has a storied history dating back to the late eighteenth century, gaining recognition as a significant phenomenon in southern Italy. Its roots are entangled with the vestiges of a decaying feudal system, a force of reaction against the intensified abuses of a dying order.

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Though, paradoxically, instances exist where the mafia served the interests of the feudal nobility, showcasing the malleability of human phenomena and the corruption of ideals.

To grasp the essence of these criminal organizations, one must envision the Italian Mafia as a response to the oppressive grip of a moribund feudalism, its emergence shaped by the need to counterbalance the abuses of a fading social structure. This dynamic interplay between societal decay and criminal innovation paints a unique picture of the Italian Mafia's early evolution.

As for the Russian Mafia, its ascent is intricately tied to the political vacuum and economic upheaval following the demise of the Soviet Union.

The privatization wave created an environment ripe for criminal enterprises, and the Russian Mafia capitalized on the opportunities presented by a nation in flux.

In exploring these criminal entities, one must recognize the mutability of human phenomena and the corruptibility of ideals. The Italian Mafia, born out of a struggle against feudal oppression, evolved in unexpected ways, while the Russian Mafia, a product of post-Soviet chaos, adapted to the shifting tides of its nation's history. Both organizations, with disparate origins and predispositions, have left an indelible imprint on the criminal underworld, shaping and being shaped by the societies from which they emerged.

The roots of the mafia delve deep into the essential need of southern Italian masses to safeguard their families, honor, livelihoods, and lives. It emerged as a response to the abandonment of law and order by those in secular and ecclesiastical authority, who simultaneously subjected the populace to land theft, harassment of wives and daughters, oppressive taxation, and various forms of moral and physical punishments. Initially, the mafia comprised scattered groups of peasants, often outlaws, who found strength and resolve in each other, forming the foundation of a new moral and social order (Paoli 2003, p. 55).

A striking parallel between the Russian and Italian mafia lies in their adherence to a stringent code of conduct. In Russia, this manifests as the age-old "Vory v Zakone" or thieves in law, where members are bound by 18 codes, violations of which are met with the ultimate penalty – death (Organization and Structure n.d.). Similarly, in Italy, the existence of the sacra famiglia (sacred family) in many villages reflects a commitment to defending the "honor and property" of the community and their own families. This organization, sometimes referred to as Umiltà (Humility), boasts elaborate hierarchies, colorful ceremonies, rituals, and a language where terms like "honor," "blood," "family," "man," and "wisdom" hold profound significance.

The sacra famiglia's noble intentions and the members' religious conception of their role within the local order elevate their status beyond mere participants in the mob. Upon initiation, a new member is told, "From this moment on, you are not a mere member of the mob [the populace] but a man healthy, wise, and holy," underlining the organization's perceived sanctity and the transformation it imparts to its members. This unique blend of tradition, ceremony, and moral purpose distinguishes the Italian mafia, emphasizing its role as a defender of community values amidst social turmoil.

In essence, both the Italian and Russian mafias share a common origin in societal tumult, evolving to protect the interests of their respective communities. However, their distinct codes of conduct and organizational structures highlight the cultural nuances and unique historical trajectories that have shaped these formidable criminal entities.

The proliferation and illicit activities of both the Russian and Italian mafia underscore the disconcerting reality of corrupt individuals ascending to the zenith of power hierarchies. Assisted by a cadre of loyal lieutenants, these leaders exploit the very organization ostensibly established to prevent wrongdoing, cloaking their nefarious deeds in a shroud of secrecy (Finckenauer and Waring 2001, p. 204).

Mafiosi, adept at theft, acts of terrorism against the vulnerable, and egregious abuses of powerless women, specialize in a dark repertoire of criminality. Periodically, a leader, isolated by their own excesses, exits the stage – either incarcerated or felled by violence. As the leader departs, the organization fractures, paving the way for a fresh cohort of young men hungry for excitement, new experiences, power, and the unique honor esteemed among peers. Notably, the Italian mafia leans heavily on murder and theft as primary methods of violence, while their Russian counterparts employ a broader spectrum, including extortion, credit card fraud, kidnapping, and fuel scams (Friedman 2000, p. 160-161).

Endless pursuit of admission into closed groups may not be a common or healthy human tendency. The intertwined needs for social approval and self-respect often prompt individuals to redirect their aspirations towards groups readily granting affirmation and a positive self-image after facing rejection (Paoli 2003, p. 45-46).

The timeless fable of the fox and the sour grapes resonates with a universal truth, suggesting that gang membership may not unequivocally serve as a school for socialization into a life of crime. The obedience demanded from lower-ranking members can erode their sense of responsibility for criminal acts, a phenomenon further compounded by ad hoc measures within the group (Paoli 2003, p. 77).

While the specifics of inter-organizational connections between communities remain elusive, it is acknowledged that some ties exist. Generally, the extent of inter-organizational contact corresponds to the volume and economic significance of local organizations' activities (Finckenauer and Waring 2001, p. 207).

In locales like the Palermo area in Sicily, where multiple mafia-like entities flourish, seeking to expand their spheres of influence, inter-organizational clashes are probable. These conflicts, never entirely eradicated, prompt attempts at reconciliation, giving rise to the complex and enduring phenomenon known as the mafia. The intricate dance of power, violence, and interplay between criminal organizations paints a vivid picture of the intricate underworld they inhabit.

The foundations of the American mafia's organizational techniques trace their roots to Sicily, while the Russian and Italian mafias experienced unprecedented success and growth catalyzed by the colossal political blunder that was Prohibition. This flourishing underworld was further fueled by the disillusionment stemming from the betrayal of high democratic ideals, the sham of egoism and hypocrisy, the festering sore of the padrone system, the corruptibility of self-serving officials – both private and public – and the poignant fears and helplessness of early immigrants (Friedman 2000, p. 149).

Central to the modus operandi of both crime groups is the "fix" – a symbiotic relationship with key figures in law enforcement, elected offices, and business and union leadership. The fix often involves a monetary payoff exchanged for favors, emphasizing the immutable principle of aligning with winners, fostering political bipartisanship (Friedman 2000, p. 148).

Examples of fixes range from substantial million-dollar bribes to smaller payoffs for officials, securing favors such as the discreet passage of information or advance warnings of potential official actions against the organization (Organization and Structure n.d.).

As the mafiosi seek to maximize profits, there is a noticeable shift towards operating through and acquiring legitimate businesses. This represents a contemporary evolution of these "robber barons" towards legitimacy, suggesting that the future may see a proliferation of wealthy individuals with Italian-sounding names, akin to the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Mellons of the past (Paoli 2003, p. 56).

In contemplating the "big families" of today, it is essential to recognize that money, like wine, matures and becomes sublime. The pursuit of great wealth often intertwines with intrigue, scandal, and the bending of both spirit and law. Biographies and autobiographies of those labeled "robber barons," coupled with reports on their business dealings, reveal the extent to which they amassed wealth through various means – sometimes by hook or by crook – at the expense of the common man, the small business owner, the government, and the soldier sacrificing at the front for liberty, democracy, and "free enterprise" (Paoli 2003, p. 141; Friedman 2000, p. 115-116). The diverse avenues of law-breaking underscore the multifaceted nature of these criminal enterprises.

The annals of America's "big families" echo with a chronicle of "war-profits conspiracies," airplane scandals, allegations of defrauding the government on war contracts, attorney generals serving as "fixers" for the wealthy, the infamous Teapot Dome scandal, Shipping Board scandals, price-fixing controversies, oil and land "grabs," collusively obtained airmail contracts, and an unending roster of "free enterprise" transactions. This historical narrative paints a vivid picture of a society entwined with a complex web of deals, often at the expense of ethical boundaries (Friedman 2000, p. 115-116).

The Russian groups in America follow a parallel trajectory, delving into the realms of "legitimate" gambling businesses and the hotel industry in Las Vegas. These legal and quasi-legal operations present formidable challenges for law enforcement, creating a labyrinth that is significantly more resistant to crackdowns (Paoli 2003, p. 56). The convergence of these criminal enterprises with legitimate businesses not only blurs the lines of legality but also exemplifies the adaptability and sophistication of organized crime, making them elusive targets for authorities.

In both American and Russian contexts, the entanglement of criminal enterprises with legal and quasi-legal operations underscores the intricate dance between illicit activities and the veneer of respectability. This convergence not only shields these organizations from law enforcement but also exemplifies the adaptability and sophistication of organized crime, allowing them to operate in the shadows of legitimate enterprises. The intricate interplay between legal and illegal realms further complicates the efforts of authorities to dismantle these networks and underscores the challenges inherent in combating organized crime in a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.

The echoes of grabbing, intrigues, and the law of might reverberate in Hollywood's recurrent theme of the land-grabbing scoundrel. In cinematic narratives, the thief and their hired gunslinger in black jackets invariably succumb to the "law-abiding," courageous, and redeeming hero in the end, perpetuating a moralistic tale of justice prevailing over criminal endeavors (Friedman 2000, p. 175).

The pervasive desire for power and wealth appears to be inherently intertwined with a willingness to employ any means necessary for their attainment. Simultaneously, there exists a peculiar societal inclination, especially among the American people, to not only tolerate but also admire and esteem successful scoundrels and knaves. This cultural nuance raises intriguing questions about the relationship between criminal innovation and societal values, suggesting that, at times, the line between villainy and heroism is blurred, if not altogether erased.

Moreover, the complex association between crime and politics transcends the simple fact that both are manifestations of power phenomena. It hints at a nuanced interplay where, perhaps unexpectedly, there exists a societal need for elements of criminality within the political landscape. This observation prompts a deeper reflection on the intricate dynamics between crime and politics, challenging conventional notions of morality and power.

In essence, the cinematic portrayal of the perennial struggle between scoundrels and heroes reflects a broader societal fascination with the tension between lawlessness and justice. The coexistence of admiration for successful scoundrels and a subtle acceptance of the need for elements of crime in politics raises thought-provoking questions about the cultural underpinnings that shape perceptions of power, morality, and societal order. The Russian and Italian Mafias, rooted in complex historical contexts, continue to embody these paradoxes, illustrating the enduring allure and complexity of organized crime in the collective imagination.