Cosa Nostra: Inside The Sicilian Mafia

Cosa Nostra, meaning "Our Thing" in English, is more than just a name; it’s a deeply ingrained criminal society that has shaped Sicilian history and continues to exert influence today.

The Origins of Cosa Nostra

Tracing its roots back to the 19th century, Cosa Nostra emerged from the social and political chaos of Sicily. Initially, these groups formed to protect landowners and manage estates, gradually evolving into powerful criminal syndicates. The lack of a strong central government allowed these organizations to thrive, filling the void with their own brand of justice and control.

Key Historical Factors

• Feudalism: The remnants of feudal structures in Sicily created a power vacuum.
• Weak Governance: The absence of effective law enforcement allowed local groups to rise.
• Social Discontent: Economic hardship and social inequality fueled the need for alternative power structures.

Structure and Hierarchy

The internal structure of Cosa Nostra is hierarchical and strictly organized. At the base are the "soldiers" (soldati), who carry out orders and maintain local control. Above them are capos, or bosses, who lead individual families. The most powerful bosses form a commission, which governs the entire organization, setting rules, resolving disputes, and approving major operations.

Core Elements of the Structure

• Families: Each family controls a specific territory.
• Capos: Family bosses who manage operations and personnel.
• Commission: The ruling body that oversees all Cosa Nostra activities.

Activities and Influence

Cosa Nostra’s activities span a wide range of illegal enterprises, including:

• Extortion: Businesses are forced to pay protection money.
• Drug Trafficking: A major source of revenue for the organization.
• Money Laundering: Concealing the origins of illicit funds.
• Political Corruption: Influencing elections and government policies.

How Cosa Nostra Maintains Power

• Omertà: A code of silence that prevents members from cooperating with authorities.
• Violence and Intimidation: Used to enforce compliance and eliminate rivals.
• Community Control: Maintaining influence through social and economic control.

Decline and Current Status

Despite numerous law enforcement efforts, Cosa Nostra continues to operate, albeit with diminished power. Increased police pressure, internal conflicts, and the rise of rival organizations have weakened its grip. However, its legacy remains, and the fight against organized crime in Sicily is far from over.

Efforts to Combat Cosa Nostra

• Maxi Trials: Landmark trials in the 1980s that led to the conviction of hundreds of mobsters.
• Anti-Mafia Legislation: Laws designed to seize assets and disrupt criminal networks.
• Civil Society Movements: Grassroots efforts to challenge the culture of silence and corruption.

Understanding Cosa Nostra requires delving into its history, structure, and the socio-political conditions that allowed it to flourish. While its power may be waning, its impact on Sicilian society is undeniable, making the ongoing fight against organized crime all the more critical.