Mafia and Antimafia ― A History

The mafia is the impenetrable and seemingly infallible embodiment of notoriety and criminality. It is often seen as a polymorphic organization which encompasses crime, the accumulation of corruptly acquired wealth and power, the cultural code of omerta and consensus. Umberto Santino, one of Italy's leading mafia experts, here provides a new perspective on the mafia and the movements which strive to fight against its powers. Exploring first-hand the campaigns of civil society organizations like the Centro siciliano di documentazione against the mafia, the author provides a fresh look at the mechanisms – and struggles – of the antimafia movement. With new research into high-profile murder trials, the mafia's financial activities, international drug-trafficking violations and their secretive codes of conduct, Santino overturns speculation and sensationalized preconceptions on both the mafia and the antimafia – as forces of purely 'good' or 'evil' – and provides unparalleled insight into the networks of organized crime in Italy and throughout the world.

Umberto Santino is the founder and director of the Centro siciliano di documentazione in Palermo, which was the first centre for research into the mafia and was established in 1977. He is one of the most authoritative experts on the mafia and has been a leading figure in the antimafia movement over the past few decades. He has lectured at university level and spoken at conferences, seminars and other events in numerous countries.

John Dickie is Professor of Italian Studies at University College, London, UK.