{"product_id":"the-dragon-syndicates-the-global-phenomenon-of-the-triads-9780786708697","title":"The Dragon Syndicates: The Global Phenomenon of the Triads","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith unflinching candor  Martin Booth -- Booker Prize nominee and author of the critically acclaimed Opium: A History -- here unfolds the full story of the Chinese Triads  which  according to UN sources  now pose the greatest potential criminal threat the world has ever known. From San Francisco to Amsterdam to Bangkok to Johannesburg  everywhere  everyday  the Triads are turning crimes like extortion  gambling  international prostitution  illegal immigrant smuggling  money laundering  fraud  corruption  arms  and narcotics into vast profits. This comprehensive history of the Triads traces their evolution over more than two thousand years from obscure parochial Chinese brotherhoods to an international criminal organization. It examines the archaic quasi-religious rituals that have for centuries bound the members of this now global fraternity. It recounts the exploits of patriots and outlaws. It explores the Triads instigation of the Tong Wars in America  their collaboration with the Allies against the Japanese in Malaya  their collusion with the CIA in Vietnam. It chronicles their escalation of the heroin trade to Europe and the United States. It shocks  and it compels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648141058101,"sku":"ByrdShop_0786708697","price":92.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780786708697.jpg?v=1781710783","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-dragon-syndicates-the-global-phenomenon-of-the-triads-9780786708697","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}