There is no ineluctable internal dynamic. Judge Falcone was convinced that the mafia is moving toward a more centralized structure and that the commissione, mandamenti, even families are in the process of being disbanded under the pressure of the so-called Corleonesi faction (Repubblica, May 13 and 21, 989; Falcone and Padovani 1991). This dissolution he saw as the consequence of the bloody internecine war and the number of mafiosi who turned state's evidence (had he been less humble, the judge might have added to the causes the forceful repressive campaign which started in the second half of the 1970s and in which he was a leading force). Centralization was intended to make the mafia stronger, and to focus on large-scale dealings rather than on local transactions. No conclusive evidence is as yet available; still, there is no economic law dictating that an industry must stay fragmented forever.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 672