State and nonstate associated gangs

the long version

This monograph explores the complex protean character and hegemonic role of gangs operating as state and nonstate surrogates in the contemporary asymmetric and irregular global security arena. Gangs come in different types with different motives, and with different modes of action. Examples include Venezuela's institutionalized "popular militias," Colombia's devolving paramilitary criminal or warrior bands (bandas criminales), and al-Qaeda's loosely organized networks of propaganda-agitator gangs operating in Spain and elsewhere in Western Europe.