The Governance Gauge: Crimilegal Orders

We hope you’re enjoying your Sunday, and hope that this weekend’s Governance Gauge will get you ready for the coming week! For more reading materials, our reading list is constantly updated.

“Crimilegal Orders” was written by Markus Schultze-Kraft of ICESI, Colombia — the book is a combination of case study and exploratory tome. This work takes on a rather cynical and realistic view of how certain governments can take on the characteristics of a criminal enterprise. The book lists Colombia and Nigeria as eminent examples of government corruption and criminality, and examines the theory behind these as well.

The book is split into 7 chapters, which examine the nature of such governmental orders — the tone of the book is professional, but highly critical of those that misunderstand the nature of crimilegal orders.

Creators of zones and societies will find chapters 5 and 6 most relevant to controlling violent and criminal elements when their zones are threatened — such setbacks can dry up investment permanently.

Policymakers and analysts can take a look at chapter 4 which explains the Colombian and Nigerian crimilegal orders and how attempts are being made to curtail them — more or less effectively.

Scholars and experts may use chapters 2 and 3 for excellent references on the nature of crimilegal orders as well as for theoretical examinations of the problems posed in the book.

The book can be found here.