The sociological term "Mafia state" was defined in 2016 by the Hungarian sociologist Balint Magjar. On that note, a few notes
The mafia state is usually organized on the principle of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra. So there is a Capo di tutti capi who speaks and orders, and subordinate bosses listen and execute, swearing loyalty to him to the grave as the wisest and best "man of honor".
The same system rules at the national and local levels. All of them together make a happy mafia family. Their belief is in everything, on everything and under it.
omerta
Political power is the key to the mafia state. Figuratively speaking - the one who has a gun in his right hand will also have gold in his left hand. The main godfather therefore makes sure that the subordinate godchildren forever derive their power from his. In this direction, he occasionally publicly humiliates them so that everyone understands that he is everything and they are nothing.
There is no place for mutual confrontations in a mafia state. It is enough for the chief godfather to remove a member from the family, so that he becomes nobody and nothing overnight. However, material gain is not taken from him - the fear of not being left without it and, moreover, being additionally harassed and humiliated best guarantee strict observance of omerta.
Besides, even if he wants to, there is no way for him to become a repentant witness. Sam knows best who he is dealing with and how things stand there.
Concierge and brother
Hierarchy in a mafia state is important, but not crucial. Often a chauffeur, close relative or friend of the chief godfather has more power than a formally recognized earner, consigliere, head of operations and the like. In this context, many members of the mafia family have a state function solely to cover the tracks and sow confusion. Although no one asks them anything, their puppet life pays off.
The mafia state tries to subordinate everything to itself - the media, the judiciary, political parties and, without exception, every institution... This is done gradually, and the most common instruments are bribery, intimidation, and sometimes physical force.
However, he is somewhat careful to maintain the facade of legal order. This means that he applies the laws selectively and arbitrarily with an additional distortion of their letter and spirit. Similar to the classic, the head and godfather of the mafia state must ensure the impunity of subordinate godsons. While he protects them, they will protect him. Nothing is stronger than when a hand washes a hand...
Spot the difference.
Just as the chief godfather of Coza Nostra talks about honesty, family values and tradition, so the supreme godfather of the mafia state does not let the nation, external and internal enemies, traitors out of his mouth... In both cases, that desolate rhetoric hides the appropriation of all the country's resources.
If the reader thinks that this comment refers to the current government in Serbia and the situation in it - he is completely right.
