Illicit – Moises Naim

Description

Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy by Moisés Naím is a compelling investigation into the dark side of globalisation. In this eye-opening book, Naím explores how illicit trade—from drugs and weapons to human trafficking and counterfeit goods—has become a powerful force shaping economies, influencing politics, and even undermining governments.

Drawing from extensive research and real-world examples, Illicit reveals the sophisticated networks behind black-market economies and how they operate with remarkable efficiency. These underground enterprises generate billions in profits, funding organised crime, terrorism, and corruption while evading weak and outdated regulatory systems. Naím dissects the challenges governments face in combating these shadow economies and highlights why stopping them is both difficult and essential.

Riveting and deeply insightful, Illicit is a must-read for those interested in global affairs, economics, and the hidden forces that drive much of the world’s underground economy.