How the Mafia Migrates

      For our first article reading and presentation, Zach and I read How Mafias Migrate.  The article focuses on the transplantation of Mafias throughout the world, but even more specifically the transplantation of the 'Ndrangheta Mafia in Italy.  The author, Federico Varese, then provides an example of a successful and non-successful mafias transplantations.

According to Varese, transplantation is a long term period in which Mafias occupy an area.  As for the supply of Mafia members in an area, it is all influenced by: Their migration, where they were ordered to stay in a region, Mafia wars, recruitments, and Mafia based expansion strategies.  The demand for Mafias is based on factors like the amount of trust, if property rights are protected, and large illegal markets.  With the two examples he provided, a major aspect of successful transplantation seemed to involve whether there was a weak economy or not.

As for the results, the region of Piedmont facilitated a successful Mafia transplantation.  The region was experiencing a major increase in illegal workers due to a rise in construction jobs.  Piedmont also had a major increase in non-regional residents and also had high trust.  Mafias began to control that market and protect, and eventually leaked into politics in the region.

The article then used an example of Verona.  For the Mafia, Verona was an area in which they were unable to transplant.  Verona has a very strong economy, low unemployment, and high trust.  The area became very export oriented, which did not develop into an illegal workforce.  The city however did have a drug trade problem.  It became a major hub for drug trade in the area.  The Mafia did try and take over the trade, but the Mafia had little funds and their protection wasn't heavily needed.  A major anti drug movement came through the area, and ended up clearing much of the illegal drug movement.  Mafia members were also taken out of the roles they had in local politics.

One of the factors that helped Verona deter Mafia transplantation, was due to a healthy and strong economy.  When walking around, Zach and I noticed these factors throughout the city.  The city boasts very elegant shops, the sidewalks are made out of marble, and there were many nice cars.  It quickly became apparent that the city did have a strong economy.  Ancient Verona also seemed to have a strong economy, due to the building of an arena.  When walking around, the city also seemed to be closely knit.  Throughout the day, there were many families walking about.  The cohesion of the community can play a factor in the success of a Mafia.

Erik Olson