Heijin: Organized Crime, Business, and Politics in Taiwan (Taiwan in the Modern World (M.E. Sharpe Paperback))

In recent years, "black gold politics" has become a major issue in Taiwan. The term "black gold politics" refers to the penetration of violent racketeers and self-serving businessmen into politics. According to Ko-lin Chin, this situation can be very threatening to a society since it undermines the integrity and legitimacy of public institutions. As members of the underworld transform their criminal identities into that of legitimate businessmen a society may experience changes in the institutional structure of the political economy. This book examines the structure and illegal activities of organized crime groups in Taiwan and explores the infiltration of crime groups into the business and political arenas. The author looks at the intricate relationship among government officials, elected deputies, businessmen, and underworld figures. He evaluates the impact of the "purification" of organized crime in Taiwan and includes data collected from first-hand interviews with underworld figures, government officials, law enforcement authorities, elected representatives, and other key informants. This timely study will help academics and policymakers to better understand the social and political contexts of organized crime in Taiwan and the development and impact of "black gold politics".