This book investigates the complex and often contradictory relationship between illicit global economies and the power of nation-states. It examines how states selectively withdraw from, persist within, or reassert control over illicit cross-border flows, such as drug smuggling, which are rapidly expanding worldwide. The analysis focuses on the strategic decisions and varying capacities of states in managing these illegal economic activities, exploring the implications for global governance and state sovereignty.

The book is likely to be regarded as a significant contribution to the study of international political economy and criminology. Its focus on the selective nature of state intervention in illicit economies suggests a nuanced approach that moves beyond simplistic notions of state control or absence. The analysis of global flows and state power dynamics positions it as a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers interested in the challenges posed by transnational crime and the evolving role of the state in a globalized world.