ABSTRACT
In recent years scholars have focused on the role of social capital in producing a host of public goods such as democracy, good governance, economic development and conflict resolution. While it is undeniable that the analysis of social capital has advanced our knowledge of these political, economic and social outcomes, the dominant literature on social capital is incomplete. Scholars of social capital tend to emphasize its beneficial impact on societies or institutions without fully analyzing its potential dark side.1 As the above quotation exemplifies, hallmarks of social capital such as solidarity, trust and norms of reciprocity are critical features of organized crime groups in Russia. Social capital can in fact play an integral role in the achievement of ends contrary to the public good.2 Thus, the same social capital that facilitates citizens to collectively lobby for better governance may also enable organized crime groups to run an effective racket.
