Book excerpt: Organized crime is not in retreat. Quite the reverse; it is spreading far and wide, and contrary to popular belief, it is much more damaging than terrorist activity. The success of any initiative to combat the wide-ranging effects of organized crime depends on a thorough understanding of its geographical, historical and political aspects. Without careful, well informed strategic planning, there is a danger that the problem will only be dealt with piecemeal; individual actors may be apprehended, but the organization as a whole will shift and mutate, never losing its criminal character. All too often, arresting only one member or branch of a criminal organization not only fails to weaken this sector but can unwittingly strengthen it by assisting the activities of criminal competitors. --