Big men, godfathers and zealots: Challenges to the state in the New Middle Ages.

摘要

The focus of the dissertation is on the state-transnational crime relationship in a changing international context. Through an analysis of four cases (Russia, Chechnya, Bosnia and France), this exploratory study demonstrates that the hegemony of the state, as a system of governance, is being tested by a number of actors and phenomena including transnational organized crime [TOC].; This is especially evident in many post-communist and developing countries and regions, where other and often unique forms of governance (frequently with the facade of the state) have emerged instead of the expected Weberian state. As a result of the melding of private and public spheres, these alternative forms of governance are highly personalized and informal, which in turn encourages the disaggregation of the state, its institutions and functions. Most importantly, this leads to a de-territorialization of the state (or portions of it), as well as the privatization of the means of organized violence. Both are evidenced by the emergence of terrae incognitae, usually ruled by warlords, guerrillas and/or traffickers.; These phenomena are taking place within a new historical context: the New Middle Ages. Although they may only be temporary, the NMA better explains the rise of TOC and the undermining of state hegemony than does the canon of IR literature. Moreover, it is argued that the New Middle Ages are also the product of the state-TOC relationship, and the subsequent undermining of the hegemony of the state.