Highest level of politics is a gangland

The idea that the highest level of politics operates as a "gangland" suggests a system where political power is intertwined with corruption, organized crime, and self-interest, often at the expense of democratic principles and the public good. This perspective is supported by various analyses and observations in political discourse, which draw parallels between political elites and gangster-like behavior or mafia structures. Below, I explore this concept through key themes and examples drawn from the provided search results.

Montenegro's former president Milo Đukanović is often described as having strong links to Montenegrin mafia.^[10]

Politics as Gangsterism

The notion of "gangster politics" describes a form of governance where political leaders and elites operate with a disregard for legal norms, prioritizing personal gain and loyalty over public welfare. This is characterized by sleaze, manipulation of legal systems, and populist rhetoric as a facade for self-serving actions. For instance, gangster politics is seen as a semi-legal adaptation to governance, emerging when elites sense danger or face acute class contradictions, using tactics like gerrymandering, voter suppression, and media control to maintain power 1. This system hovers between authoritarianism and democracy, with leaders gaming the system through legislative tricks and legal minutiae while projecting an image of being above the law 1.

A key feature of this gangland-style politics is the centralization of power and wealth, often benefiting a small elite. In the United States, for example, policies like the 2017 tax bill are cited as funneling 82.8% of benefits to the top 1%, with corporate tax rates dropping significantly, directly enriching political insiders and their families 1. Loyalty to the "boss" becomes paramount, with high turnover rates in administrations (e.g., 34% under Trump compared to much lower rates in previous presidencies) reflecting a culture where dissent is not tolerated, and subordinates are disposable 1.

Mafia State Models

The concept of a "mafia state" further illustrates how politics at the highest levels can resemble organized crime. In such systems, government officials, police, and organized crime are so intertwined that the state itself functions as a criminal enterprise. Russia under Vladimir Putin is frequently described as a "virtual mafia state," where a corrupt, autocratic kleptocracy binds officials, oligarchs, and crime syndicates under the leadership of a central figure 4. U.S. diplomatic cables and analysts have highlighted this structure, with terms like "pakhanate" (from underworld slang) used to describe the system, and Putin positioned as the ultimate boss dividing spoils among rival clans 4.

Similarly, Hungary under Fidesz's rule since 2010 has been analyzed as a "post-communist mafia state," where power and wealth are concentrated within a political "clan." Unlike traditional mafias that rely on direct coercion, this system uses legitimate tools like legislation, taxation, and law enforcement to achieve its goals, reshaping the elite landscape to maintain dominance 4. These examples suggest that at the highest levels, politics can mirror gangland dynamics, with state mechanisms serving as instruments of control and enrichment for a select few.

Global Instances of Gangland Politics

Beyond specific mafia state models, the gangland analogy appears in various global contexts. In Bosnia, politics is described as a complex and often brutal arena, hinting at gangland-like power struggles despite incremental progress 6. Historical accounts, such as a 1986 report on political figures aligning with both legitimate and illicit forces to secure power, further underscore how political systems can operate with a gangster ethos 3. Central America, noted as one of the most dangerous regions for decades, also reflects environments where political and criminal violence often overlap, reinforcing the gangland metaphor 5.

Characteristics of Gangland Politics

Several recurring traits define this gangland style at the highest political levels:

• Personalization of Power: Leaders position themselves as indispensable, cultivating a cult of personality where loyalty is a one-way street, and opposition is framed as betrayal 1.

• Disregard for Norms: Legal and democratic checks are seen as impediments, with leaders relying on diversion, misdirection, and denial to evade accountability—epitomized by the dismissal of criticism as "fake news" 1.

• Exploitation of Crises: Gangster politicians often exploit or even manufacture crises to consolidate power, drawing historical parallels to events like the Reichstag Fire of 1933, used to justify authoritarian measures 1.

• Cultural Degradation: There is a deliberate appeal to the lowest common denominator, depressing cultural and intellectual discourse to maintain control over a base that feels both victimized and empowered by the leader 1.

Conclusion

The assertion that the highest level of politics is a gangland finds resonance in the ways political systems can mirror organized crime, prioritizing power, loyalty, and personal gain over democratic ideals. Whether through the semi-legal manipulations of gangster politics, the structured corruption of mafia states like Russia and Hungary, or the violent power struggles in regions like Bosnia and Central America, evidence suggests that political elites often operate with a gangland mentality. This dynamic undermines trust in governance, as the state becomes a tool for enrichment and control rather than a servant of the public good 14. While not every political system fits this mold, the recurring patterns across different contexts highlight a troubling undercurrent in global politics.

1. https://logosjournal.com/article/gangster-politics/
2. https://lmbpn.com/lmbpn-books/gangland-politics/
3. https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,960710,00.html
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mafia_state
5. https://www.the-tls.co.uk/politics-society/social-cultural-studies/gang-land
6. https://balkaninsight.com/2019/12/23/bosnias-inching-forward-despite-its-gangland-politics/
7. https://www.audible.com/pd/Gangland-Politics-Audiobook/B09WZFLDFQ
8. https://themobmuseum.org/blog/worlds-top-five-mob-bosses/