Book review: Academics dissect Sweden's deadly gang violence with historical exposé

Academics Peter Ehrngren and Anders Lindholm have authored "Från MC-krig till barnsoldater. Om gängens dödliga våld i Sverige," a book that delves into the historical underpinnings of Sweden's escalating gang violence. The work offers a refreshing academic perspective, moving beyond the numerous accounts by journalists and former criminals that have recently flooded the market.

The book traces the evolution of criminal activity from "MC wars" to the current landscape of child soldiers and infiltrated societal institutions. It highlights the shock of young teenagers being recruited as hitmen and the infiltration of criminal elements into essential services. The authors present a comprehensive analysis, drawing on national and international crime statistics, official reports, and academic research.

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How many books by journalists or old criminals can one read before it all blends together? That's why it feels refreshing that two academics are tackling Swedish violence in 'From MC Wars to Child Soldiers,' writes Vesna Prekopic.

Ehrngren, a criminologist, and Lindholm, an economist, guide readers through the complex web of factors contributing to Sweden's current situation. They interview experts in social services and politics, as well as former criminals, to provide a multifaceted view of the present and future. The book estimates that criminal economies generate an astonishing 352 billion Swedish kronor annually.

While the book may offer little new information for those already well-versed in the subject, it serves as a valuable, structured overview for newcomers. The authors revisit certain events and timelines, contextualizing the causes of ongoing issues, such as the persistent use of illegal weapons smuggled during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. The work also sheds light on the parallel societal structures that threaten the rule of law and have strengthened over the years.

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Up to 352 billion in profit is turned over in the criminal economy annually, the authors write.