Well, That's A Deep Subject.

Thugocracy 101: How Modern Politics Mirror Organized Crime

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Charles Tilly once called war-making and state-making “the greatest protection rackets in history.” In this episode, we explore how the modern state — and eventually alliances like NATO — evolved from centuries of organized coercion. From medieval kings to modern diplomats, the pattern remains: those who control violence define legitimacy. Governments claim to protect us, but often from dangers they themselves create.
Over time, this logic was refined, institutionalized, and globalized — a mafia with flags, treaties, and moral slogans. Yet beneath the rhetoric of freedom and peace lies the same transaction: safety for obedience, tribute for protection. Maybe the time has come to question the price.
Episode highlights:

  • How Charles Tilly reframed war and state formation as organized crime

  • The double meaning of “protection”: comfort and coercion

  • How capitalism and warfare coevolved to sustain power

  • The moral exchange of safety for obedience

  • Why NATO represents the global version of the protection racket

  • Legitimacy as the final mask of coercion

  • What it means to stop paying the dues


Resources mentioned:
Tilly - War Making and State Making as Organized Crime
#DeepSubject #CharlesTilly #PoliticalPower #NATO #WarAndState #OrganizedCrime #Geopolitics #HistoryOfViolence #SecurityMyth #StatePower
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Well, That's A Deep Subject.By James D. Newcomb