ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Social network analysis (SNA) is applied in order to model and understand cases of criminal infiltration, co-optation and institutional reconfiguration in Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. It also discusses the concepts of state capture (StC) and co-opted states' reconfiguration and as well as methodological elements regarding social networks analysis. Current illicit networks across the western hemisphere involve both private and public, lawful and unlawful agents participating in diverse social interactions, ranging from traditional methods of corruption such as bribery to sophisticated forms of political agreements. co-opted state reconfiguration (CStR), happens when it is observed that: there is participation of lawful and/or unlawful groups; the benefits sought are not only economic but also judicial, political and those related to social legitimacy; the use of coercive methods and/or political alliances complement or substitute for bribery; and the sphere of influence takes place in different branches of public power and at different levels of public administration.
