Anatomy of Illegal Power

Anatomy of Illegal Power explores how illicit markets shape politics, society, and everyday life across Latin America.

Drawing on more than a decade of fieldwork and hundreds of interviews, Lucía Dammert blends vivid human stories with sharp analysis to reveal how “illegal power” is built, sustained, and resisted. Moving beyond crime statistics, she reframes crime as a form of power, exposing the hidden structures that link organized crime to fragile institutions, entrenched corruption, and political disaffection. With a regional lens enriched by case studies from Brazil, El Salvador, Central America, and Chile, she demonstrates how illicit economies, from drugs and mining to logging and extortion, regulate territory, shape politics, and erode democracy.

Written by one of Latin America’s leading authorities on security and organized crime, the book offers clear, policy-relevant insights without relying on militarized “iron-fist” solutions. Instead, it points to practical alternatives: strengthening institutions, investing in education, and fostering international cooperation. Accessible yet rigorous, it is essential reading for students and scholars in politics, sociology, criminology, and Latin American studies, as well as professionals in policy, journalism, and international organizations.