This book uncovers the activities of clandestine governments. It explores how covert political activity and transnational organised crime are linked - and how they ultimately work to the advantage of state and corporate power.

Using a variety of case studies, from the mafia in Italy to programmes for food and reconstruction in Iraq, the authors illustrate that parapolitical structures are not ‘deviant’, but central to the operation of global governments.

The creation of this parallel world economy, the source of huge political and economic potential, entices states to undertake new forms of regulation, either through their own intelligence agencies, or through the more shadowy world of criminal cartels.