I learned a good deal reading these timely volumes, even on the operations in which I was intimately involved. The findings are persuasive and the recommendations are all well considered and compelling. -- James Dobbins, Former Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Haiti, and Somalia Criminalized Power Structures: The Overlooked Enemies of Peace persuasively documents the damage done to prospects for peace when illicit wealth meets unscrupulous political power. The case studies show the depth and breadth of that damage in place after place, while Dziedzic's analysis draws upon years of research and experience to systematically reframe our views of peace 'spoiler' motives, goals and means. The result, with its second volume, Combating Criminalized Power Structures: A Toolkit, is wise counsel for dealing with these power structures that any peacebuilding enterprise should heed if it hopes to build the peace that it seeks. -- William Durch, Distinguished Fellow, The Stimson Center, Washington, DC. Criminalized Power Structures: The Overlooked Enemies of Peace and Combating Criminalized Power Structures: A Toolkit perform a vital service in the study of fragile states. Based on ten case histories from four continents, they demonstrate that criminalized power structures are a key element in promoting instability and describe the circumstances in which these structures can be tamed. Essential reading for policymakers and scholars. -- John Herbst, Former State Department Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization Criminalized Power Structures: The Overlooked Enemies of Peace and Combating Criminalized Power Structures: A Toolkit provide remarkable insights into criminalized power structures in conflict and post-conflict environments. This often overlooked phenomenon can have immense effects on peacekeeping and stabilization efforts. The volumes provide an important framework and practical insights that may help policymakers to better address these issues. -- Enrique Desmond Arias, Director, Peace Operations Policy Program, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University At last, the subject of illicit power structures given the prominence it deserves! Here it is how to understand and implement better conflict prevention, effectively manage post-conflict situations, save millions of dollars in the process and in broader form push back against the rottenness of political corruption and criminal exploitation that permanently ruin the lives of populations in failing or failed states. Arrestingly and plainly revealed, the shameful motives that from the beginning of each international peace mission confound capacity- and institution-building are described by Mike Dzeidzic and seasoned practitioners in such compelling detail that tackling them should become the sine qua non of all future mission-planning. This is a piece of revelatory work and we deserve to hear the sound of brisk footsteps along government corridors as senior officials, grasping copies of this book, seek immediate entree to policy makers offices demanding major doctrinal changes. -- Richard Monk, Former UN Police Commissioner Bosnia and Kosovo, Member of the Brahimi Panel