In this system, the "mafia" is not just a group of bandits in the hills; it is a sophisticated network of actors who use democratic processes to legitimize the extraction of public resources for private gain. 1. Defining the Mafia Democracy

: Competition is stifled as only "connected" firms thrive, leading to brain drain and lack of innovation.

: Large-scale infrastructure projects become vehicles for siphoning tax dollars into criminal hands via rigged bidding.

: International sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) oversight.