Resisting Extortion

Criminal extortion is a severe problem in Latin America, but victims resist in different ways. This book offers valuable insights into the broader politics of crime and the state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Criminal extortion is a pervasive and severe issue in Latin America, particularly in states where the rule of law is weak or non-existent. In such contexts, victims often feel helpless and at the mercy of powerful criminals. However, it is remarkable to observe the diverse ways in which victims resist criminal extortion. Through extensive fieldwork in violent regions of Colombia, El Salvador, and Mexico, Moncada has compiled a comprehensive analysis that explores the various strategies employed by victims to confront this threat.

The analysis begins by examining the processes that lead to individual acts of resistance against criminal extortion. It explores the motivations behind these acts, the tactics used by victims, and the outcomes they seek. Moncada highlights the importance of understanding the personal experiences and perspectives of victims in order to comprehend their resistance strategies.

Next, the analysis compares and contrasts different processes that result in sporadic killings by ad hoc groups of victims and police. It explores the dynamics of these interactions, the roles played by different actors, and the implications for the rule of law. Moncada sheds light on the complexities of victim-police relations and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating criminal extortion.

The book also delves into institutionalized and sustained collective vigilantism as a resistance strategy. It examines the origins, organization, and impact of these groups on the criminal landscape. Moncada explores the ways in which collective vigilantism can provide victims with a sense of security and empowerment, while also raising concerns about the potential for abuse and overreaction.

Furthermore, the analysis explores coordination between victims and states as a means of co-producing order and combating criminal extortion. It examines the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach, as well as the potential risks and unintended consequences. Moncada highlights the importance of building trust and collaboration between victims and state institutions in order to achieve long-term solutions to the problem of criminal extortion.

In conclusion, this book offers valuable new insights into the broader politics of crime and the state in Latin America. It sheds light on the diverse ways in which victims resist criminal extortion and the complex factors that contribute to this problem. By examining the personal experiences, strategies, and outcomes of victims, the analysis provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and policymakers in combating criminal extortion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of crime and justice in Latin America.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108843386
Edition number: New ed