Synopsis for Italy Class Thurs 24th March

THE MAFIA

• Problems of Definition

• Origins in Bourbon Sicily post 1812

• Characteristics

• Prime focus from Protection to Politics

• Attempts to close Mafia down from 19th century to Mussolini

• 1945 Mafia regroups

• Internal 'wars'

• Modern Mafia: political and judicial corruption to renewed attempts to close it down

• Will the Mafia ever disappear?

The books of John Dickie are probably the best detailed introduction in English:-

Mafia Brotherhoods

Cosa Nostra

Mafia Republic