An investigation of how unlawful commerce is changing the world by transforming economies, reshaping politics and capturing governments. This work looks at the struggle between traffickers and the hamstrung bureaucracies trying to confront them. From illegal migrants to drugs to weapons to laundered money to counterfeit goods, the black market produces enormous profits that are converted to create new businesses, enable terrorists, and even take over governments. Naim reveals the inner workings of these amazingly efficient international organizations and shows why it is so hard--and so necessary--to contain them. -- from the publisher's description, back cover.

The wars we are losing -- Global smugglers are changing your world -- Small arms and loose nukes -- No business like drug business -- Why is slavery booming in the 21st century? -- The global trade in stolen ideas -- The money washers -- What do orangutans, human kidneys, garbage, and Van Gogh have in common? -- What are governments doing? -- Citizens vs. criminals -- Why we are losing -- What to do? -- The world ahead.