Fascism and the Mafia

This thought-provoking work explores the origins of the Sicilian Mafia as a political construct, examining its development from the 1860s through the fascist repression of the 1920s and its societal implications.

Fascism and the Mafia by Christopher Duggan delves into the complex narrative surrounding the Sicilian Mafia, challenging the commonly held perceptions of this notorious organization. Duggan posits that the concept of the Mafia is largely a construct, shaped by political agendas and misconceptions about Sicilian culture. The book is divided into two main parts, with the first tracing the evolution of the Mafia myth from its inception in the 1860s through to World War II. Duggan highlights how, despite the absence of an organized criminal society, the term Mafia was employed by officials to label local dissent against the newly unified Italian state, thereby framing Sicilian social issues as criminal in nature.

In the second part, Duggan provides an in-depth analysis of the fascist regime's campaign against the Mafia during the 1920s. Utilizing a wealth of primary sources, including private documents and police records, he illustrates how the idea of the Mafia was manipulated for political gain. This exploitation not only perpetuated the Mafia myth but also deepened the mistrust many Sicilians felt towards the state, ultimately contributing to the region's resistance against fascism in later years.

Duggan’s work is significant as it offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between politics and organized crime in Sicily. It serves as a valuable resource for historians, anthropologists, and criminologists, as well as anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of the Mafia myth and its enduring impact on Sicilian society. Through his thorough research and engaging writing, Duggan invites readers to reconsider the narratives that have long shaped the discourse around the Mafia and its relationship with the state.