Citation

Mahadevan P. Small Wars Insurg. 2012; 23(2): 203-220.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09592318.2012.642204

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Since 2004, the Indian government has described the country's Maoist insurgency as a grave threat to domestic security. A study of the sustaining dynamics behind Maoist violence suggests that the rebels are growing operationally stronger due to profits derived from organized crime. Having built up a parasitic economy that operates within the boundaries of nominal state control, they are proceeding to undermine that same control. In effect, the Maoists have assumed characteristics of a Mafia group. With India's economic growth having surged in recent years, their ability to finance aggressive operations and consolidate their subversive infrastructure has increased correspondingly.