The first section aims to define and study the concept of organized crime and discusses methodological issues, typologies, and myths associated with crime syndicates. The theoretical discussions contained in the second section revolve around the evolution of organized crime within the American economic and political framework, an ethnic succession theory, and an enterprise perspective. The third section discusses the structure and network of criminal enterprises, including the Mafia, black gangs, Colombian cocaine cartels, and Chinese organized crime. The chapters on organized crime and economic structures use as examples business racketeering, the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) scandal, arson and the urban economy in Boston, and the disposal of hazardous waste. The final chapters deal with efforts at regulating and controlling organized crime involvement in prostitution, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. Chapter references