The perception of organized crime as an external threat to political stability and to regular commercial activity is based on an assumption about the motives and intentions of organized criminals. This assumption invariably results in a call for a war against crime. However, the reality and the possible solutions are less dramatic but also more complex. Organized criminals are concerned with both legal and illegal businesses in which bribery of public officials and involvement with orthodox commercial activity are part of that businesses. Organized criminals may want to enjoy the profits of their business rather than subvert society; nevertheless, what they do and how they do it can have adverse consequences for societies and should be addressed. However, it is necessary when seeking to do this not only to analyze threats to target resources more effectively, but also to discourage public officials and orthodox businesses whose enthusiasm for short-term benefit overrides their moral judgment and thus allows organized crime to be tolerated in the societies to which they are supposed to be an external threat. Case examples, notes, and 73 references (Author abstract modified)