This book explores the way in which organized crime gangs have adapted and evolved in synch with ever-expanding technologies, using these not only to update their popular image, but also the ways in which they conduct their secretive operations.

Politics, Lies and Conspiracy Theories: A Cognitive Linguistic Perspective shows how language influences mechanisms of cognition, perception and belief, and by extension its power to manipulate thoughts and beliefs.

Stories and tales about hucksters, charlatans, and con men have always fascinated us since time immemorial, from epic narratives such as Homerâs Odyssey to filmic story adaptations, such as The Talented Mr. Ripley. The common element in all of these is a clear need on the part of some of the most creative individuals of history to penetrate the mind of the conniver to paint a portrait of the master manipulator, upon which we can reflect about the human condition more generally. Psychologists and sociologists have long tried to explain this fascination with con artists of all stripes and from...