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Can Misha Glenny comment on the influence of gangstas like Isaac Babel's early 20th century Odessan "Benya Krik"? The stories are brilliant, but I've always wondered how much truth was involved in the narrative. Babel's "tough jew" reminds me of the Albanian narrative, where you're kept out of the larger economy, so you turn to crime.

by the way there is a show on 13 tonight about this called 'Illicit: The Dark Trade' ch 13 8pm

counterfeit goods sold on the streets of NYC mind you. purses and such

This is a great and revelatory show, Leonard. The idea that the Balkan conflict is rooted in organized crime is amazing, and fits in with what I'd read about China - that the leader of the Green Gang in Shanghai had a good deal to do with the rise of Mao. And Chiang Kai-shek and all the Chinese leaders were always dependent on the gang leaders, for centuries.

Thanks as always, Leonard, I can't imagine WNYC without you.

what about counterfeit goods controlled by the Chinese army?

Is there any benefit or good which comes from organized crime? Hollywood and the media love to romanticize organized crime, but I would be curious as to what your research has shown.

Speaking of international intrigue, Mr. Glenny sounds exactly like the character Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) in Hitchcock's "North By Northwest."