THE ETIOLOGY OF ORGANIZED CRIME: CAUSAL EXPLORATION AND EVOLUTION

Organized crime is a dynamic and complex phenomenon closely linked to the economic, social, and political developments of society. This article examines the factors contributing to the emergence and persistence of organized crime groups, highlighting relevant examples from historical, regional, and contemporary perspectives. At the same time, it emphasizes the mechanisms through which informal criminal networks transform into wellstructured organizations capable of influencing global markets and shaping local political structures. Far from being merely a result of economic, political, or social contexts, organized crime is an evolving phenomenon that thrives on well-defined mechanisms. These include exploiting power vacuums, adapting to new economic and technological conditions, and leveraging social and political networks to consolidate their positions. The study delves into these processes through relevant examples, offering a broad perspective on how organized crime groups become influential actors in economic and political arenas. Combating organized crime is a global challenge requiring an integrated, complex, and multidimensional approach. Effective strategies must address not only the structural causes enabling this phenomenon but also identify and implement solutions to mitigate its impact on the economy, society, and global security.Organized crime networks represent a significant threat to national and global security. Rooted in social, economic, and political factors, these groups rapidly become autonomous actors that perpetuate instability. This article aims to analyze the causes and mechanisms underlying the emergence and evolution of organized crime, adopting an interdisciplinary and contextualized perspective for a deeper understanding of the phenomenon