The Sicilian Mafia (also known as Cosa Nostra) is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid 19th century in Sicily. Before Doomsday, it was a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct. Since Doomsday, the Sicilian Mafia has emerged as a multifaceted entity and a major regional power through their newly established Sicilian Republic. Similar to their pre-Doomsday tendencies, the Mafia-ruled Sicilian Republic has come into conflict with many of its neighbors since its foundation. However, despite their new political position, the Mafia has yet to totally abandon its criminal past and continues to have a significant regional criminal presence.